Pectin-Functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Enhanced Removal of Cationic Dyes: Influence of Pectin Methoxylation on Surface Charge and Adsorption Efficiency
Yen Yan NG, Peck Loo KIEW, Lian See TAN, Man Kee LAM, Wei Ming YEOH, Muhamad Ali MUHAMMAD YUZIR
Abstract. The discharge of industrial dye effluents, particularly those containing persistent cationic dyes such as methylene blue, poses significant threats to aquatic ecosystems and public health due to their high stability and resistance to conventional treatment methods. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have emerged as effective adsorbents owing to their large surface area and strong dye affinity; however, their tendency to agglomerate reduces dispersion and adsorption efficiency. This study presents a sustainable approach to enhance IONP performance by functionalizing them with pectin, a biodegradable polysaccharide derived from agricultural waste. The effects of pectin methoxylation, particularly comparing high-methoxyl (HMP) and low-methoxyl (LMP) pectin, on surface charge, colloidal stability, and dye adsorption were systematically examined. Zeta potential, FESEM–EDX, and adsorption analyses confirmed successful functionalization and improved performance. Increasing the precipitation pH enhanced the negative surface charge (−39.4 mV for HMP and −39.6 mV for LMP; versus −17.3 mV for bare IONPs) and methylene blue removal (HMP: 84.3 to 89.0%; LMP: 94.4 to 95.4%). These findings demonstrate the critical roles of synthesis pH and pectin structure in tailoring nanoparticle properties for efficient and eco-friendly wastewater treatment.
Keywords
Iron Oxide Nanoparticles, Pectin Functionalization, Methylene Blue, Adsorption, Surface Charge
Published online 1/15/2026, 8 pages
Copyright © 2026 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA
Citation: Yen Yan NG, Peck Loo KIEW, Lian See TAN, Man Kee LAM, Wei Ming YEOH, Muhamad Ali MUHAMMAD YUZIR, Pectin-Functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Enhanced Removal of Cationic Dyes: Influence of Pectin Methoxylation on Surface Charge and Adsorption Efficiency, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 59, pp 25-32, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903957-4
The article was published as article 4 of the book Separation Technology
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
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