Adsorption Kinetics Of Malachite Green Dye From Aqueous Solutions Using Activated Carbon Modified With Ni-Cu2o Nanocomposite Material

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