Activated carbon derived from sugarcane and modified with natural zeolite for efficient adsorption of methylene blue dye: experimentally and theoretically approaches

The introduction of activated carbon/natural zeolite (AC/NZ) as an efficient and reliable nanoadsorbent for enhancing methylene blue (MB) dye adsorption. By calcining sugarcane waste at various temperatures between 500 and 900 degrees C, activated carbons (ACs) are formed. Both XRD and SEM were used for the characterization of the prepared adsorbents. Adsorption measurements for the removal of MB dye were made on the impact of pH, beginning MB concentration, and contact time. The maximum AC500/NZ adsorption capacity for MB dye at 25 degrees C, pH 7, and an AC500/NZ mass of 50 mg was found to be approximately 51 mg/g at an initial concentration of 30 ppm. The pseudo-second-order kinetics model and the Temkin isotherm model describe the adsorption process. The Temkin model shows that the adsorption energy is 1.0 kcal/mol, indicating that the MB-to-AC500/NZ adsorption process occurs physically. Our Monte Carlo (MC) simulation studies supported our findings and showed that the Van der Waals dispersion force was responsible for the MB molecule's physical adsorption. The AC500/NZ adsorbent is thought to be a strong contender for water remediation.

Automated summary

The introduction of activated carbon/natural zeolite (AC/NZ) as a nanoadsorbent for enhancing methylene blue (MB) dye adsorption was studied. The adsorption capacity of AC500/NZ for MB dye was found to be approximately 51 mg/g at 25 degrees C, pH 7, and an AC500/NZ mass of 50 mg. The kinetics model and isotherm model indicated that the adsorption process is physical in nature. Monte Carlo simulation supported these findings and showed that the Van der Waals dispersion force is responsible for the physical adsorption of MB molecules. AC500/NZ is considered a strong contender for water remediation.