Preparation of A MWCNT-Graphite Composite Based on Sol Gel Method for Dye Removal

Carbon based composites have good capability for elimination of colored pollutants. In this work, a multi-walled carbon nanotube-graphite Composite (MW-g-C) was prepared using a sol gel method. The N2 adsorption/desorption curves, scanning electron microscopy and zeta potential were used for characterization of MW-g-C. The adsorption characteristics of MW-g-C were studied using Basic Blue 41 (BB41) dye as an adsorbate. The effects of several influential parameters such as contact time, pH, adsorbent dose and initial concentration on the adsorption were well investigated and optimized. The maximum amount of dye adsorbed in optimal conditions (include pH= 6.8, amount of MW-g-C= 1.37 g L-1) was 115 mg g-1. The linear correlation coefficients and the standard deviations of Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) and Temkin isotherms were determined. The results also showed that the adsorption kinetics was controlled by a pseudo second-order model for adsorption of dye onto MW-g-C. The ∆G°, ∆H° and Ea values indicated that the adsorption of BB41 onto MW-g-C was physisorption.