Characterization and absorption studies of cationic dye on multi walled carbon nanotube-carbon ceramic composite

The multi walled carbon nanotubecarbon ceramic composite (MWCNT-CCC) was synthesized by sol gel technique, as a promising strategy for the preparation of nanocomposites and used as adsorbents for removal of Basic Yellow 28 dye from aqueous solution. The physicochemical properties of MWCNT-CC composites was characterized using different techniques such as FESEM, EDX, XRD, and BET. The effects of operating parameters such as pH, contact time, initial dye concentration and amount of the adsorbents were investigated by response surface methodology (RSM). Optimum adsorption (85%) was achieved at pH 8.0, dye concentrations 15.0 mg/L, and 1.5 g/L adsorbent at 80 min. The adsorption process can be well described by the pseudo second order kinetic model. The experimental data of isotherm followed the Freundlich isotherm model. Moreover, the thermodynamic parameters calculated from the temperature-dependent isotherms indicated that the adsorption reaction was an endothermic and spontaneous process. All results indicate that the MWCNT-CCC is a promising adsorbent for the efficient removal of basic dye from wastewater. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry.