Abstract:
Malachite green dye (MG) is the cationic dye that is widely used for coloring cotton, wool, and
silk. Since MG is harmful to human beings and toxic to microorganisms, there is the need to find
cheap and efficient methods for removal of MG from wastewater prior to disposal into natural
waters. In the present study, MG adsorption potential of Ni-Cu2O/AC prepared using a sol– geland thermal chemical synthesis method was compared with the activated carbon (AC). The
surface of the Nano composite (Ni-Cu2O/AC) was characterized by FT-IR spectra and the result
showed the surface of AC was successfully modified by Ni-Cu2O. The optimum conditions of
operational parameters such as pH (6) adsorbent dose (0.2g), initial dye concentration (4 mg/L),
contact time (60min), were investigated at temperature 298K. The measured maximum adsorption
capacity and removal efficiency of AC and Ni-Cu2O/AC were 3.780 mg/g and 94.48%, and
3.907mg/g and 97.67%, respectively. In order to understand the mechanism of the adsorption
process, the sorption data were analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The
linear form of the experimental data was well fitted with Freundlich isotherm model and the data
resulted in good conformation theis models. The rate of the adsorption process was investigated
using Pseudo-first order kinetics and Pseudo second-order kinetic models. Pseudo second-order
kinetic model was found to be well fitted to the data obtained. In conclusion, the study has
revealed that the Ni-Cu2O/AC is a cost-effective adsorbent with high adsorption efficiency for the
sequestration of MG from a water-soluble solution and can be recycled for further usage
