Methylene blue adsorption properties of mechanochemistry modified coal fly ash

In this study, the adsorption properties of Methylene blue (MB) on fly ash were investigated. By mechanochemistry modification, two different fly ashes, including raw fly ash and high-energy ball milled fly ash were selected for the adsorption experiment. The physical and morphology properties after the milling process were analyzed using mercury intrusion porosimetry, scanning electron micrograph, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the milling process modification will enhance the MB adsorption capacity of fly ash, with the value of adsorption capacity increasing from 5.06 to 7.97mg g(-1). The adsorption can be well described by the pseudo-second-order rate model. The results of this study indicated that the milled fly ash has the potential to be an attractive material for dye removal from aqueous solution. Meanwhile, some pollutants in fly ash should be considered before application.