Sustainable and Efficient Removal of Organic Dyes From Water Using a Graphene Oxide‐Conjugated PEGylated Polystyrene Resin

Toxic organic dyes are persistent water pollutants that threaten aquatic ecosystems and human health. Conventional dye removal methods are often slow and may generate secondary pollutants. In this study, a graphene oxide (GO)‐functionalized PEGylated polystyrene resin (PS‐PEG@GO) is developed via diisopropylcarbodiimide‐mediated coupling as a simple, recoverable, and reusable adsorbent for cationic dye removal. Multiple analyses confirmed successful GO immobilization, evidenced by the wrinkled GO‐associated surface and oxygen‐containing functional groups. On a total‐adsorbent‐mass basis, PS‐PEG@GO exhibits Langmuir‐derived maximum adsorption capacities of 14.70, 3.51, 4.19, and 17.60 mg g −1 for crystal violet (CV), methylene blue (MB), rhodamine 6G (R6G), and rhodamine B (RB), respectively. After 20 adsorption–desorption cycles, CV and MB maintain removal efficiencies above 90%, while R6G and RB retain at least 89.19% and 85.15%, respectively. The resin also sustains dye removal in tap, lake, and river water, underscoring its potential as a reusable, filtration‐compatible platform for practical dye wastewater treatment.