Modification of MCM-41 with Anionic Surfactant: A Convenient Design for Efficient Removal of Cationic Dyes from Wastewater

The potential of MCM-41 for the removal of cationic dyes from water solution was evaluated using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) for the surface modification of this mesoporous material. Admicelle structures formed on the surface of the calcined MCM-41 are capable of removing organic pollutants and cationic species from water environment. The structural, textural, and surface chemical characteristics of the prepared SDS-modified MCM-41 (SDS-MCM-41) were studied. The adsorption capacity of SDS-MCM-41 was evaluated for methylene blue (MB) as a target cationic dye. Equilibrium adsorption isotherm data were manipulated employing nonlinear regression analysis. The Langmuir, Freundlich, and Sips isotherm models were examined. The adsorption data were well fitted to both Langmuir and Sips isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacity of SDS-MCM-41 for MB, based on Langmuir and Sips models, were 290.8 and 297.3 mg g(-1), respectively. Ethanol was found to be an effective solvent for partial regeneration of the adsorbent.