Fast Removal and Recovery of Methylene Blue by Activated Carbon Modified with Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

A magnetic adsorbent was synthesized by modification of activated carbons with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (AC-MIONs). The preparation method is fast and could be carried out in an ordinary condition. The AC-MIONs were used as quite efficient adsorbents for separation of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution in a batch process. The effect of different parameters such as pH, temperature, electrolyte concentration, contact time and interfering ions on the removal of MB were studied. The adsorption data were analyzed by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and a maximum adsorption amount of 47.62 mg g(-1) and a langmuir adsorption equilibrium constant of 3.0 L mg(-1) were obtained. The obtained results revealed that AC-MIONs were effective adsorbents for fast removal of MB from different aqueous solutions. This adsorbent was successfully used for removal of MB from Karoon River water.