Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Magbanau, Benjamin

Committee Member

Ramirez-Avalia, John

Committee Member

Lynn, Thomas

Date of Degree

5-16-2025

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU Only 1 year

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only

Major

Civil Engineering

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

James Worth Bagley College of Engineering

Department

Richard A. Rula School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Abstract

This study investigates a novel 3D-printed graphene-coated polymer (GCP) for the removal of Microcystin-LR (MC-LR), a harmful cyanotoxin produced during harmful algal blooms (HABs). While graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) exhibit high adsorption capacity, their powdered form limits practical application. To address this, GnPs were coated onto 3D-printed poly(lactic acid) (PLA) substrates, enabling enhanced handling for field deployment. Surface characterization using laser confocal microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed GnP distribution and coating uniformity. Batch adsorption experiments revealed pseudo-second-order kinetics, a maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 596 μg/g, and adsorption behavior best described by the Langmuir isotherm. Statistical analysis and comparison of multiple isotherm models supported monolayer adsorption on a relatively homogeneous surface, consistent with the structured nature of the GCP material. Although GCPs showed lower adsorption capacity than pristine GnPs, their scalability and reusability offer practical advantages. Future work will focus on integrating GnPs directly into 3D-printed structures and incorporating TiO₂ for photocatalytic degradation, further enhancing performance for HAB toxin remediation.

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