Silver doped manganese oxide-carbon nanotube nanocomposite for enhanced dye-sequestration: Isotherm studies and RSM modelling approach

In this paper, Ag doped MnO2-CNT nanocomposite was fabricated by using simple co-precipitation route. The synthesized nanocomposite was employed as adsorbent for elimination of Acridine Orange dye. The structural analysis of as synthesized Ag doped MnO2-CNT nanocomposite confirms the presence of (111) plane of Ag, (104) of carbon and (110) plane of MnO2. Processing of operational variable parameters such as, pH, adsorbent dose, and initial dye concentration with respect to contact time on adsorption of Acridine Orange was optimized and evaluated using Response Surface Methodology. The fit of the predictive model for the removal of dye was in good agreement with the experimental value. Isotherm data was modelled by means of Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin- Radushkevich isotherm. Langmuir isotherm offered the best fit to experimental data proposing homogeneous dispersion of adsorption sites. Furthermore, the suitability of the adsorbent was also investigated by fitting the adsorption data with pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The recuperation and reusability of the adsorbent and adsorbate has made this process inexpensive and appropriate for large scale applications.