Abstract
Abstract This study reports the removal of amoxicillin from environmental water matrices using zinc oxide coated carbon nanofibers composite as an adsorbent. The structural and surface properties of zinc oxide coated carbon nanofiber composite were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersion x-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The factors (sample pH and dosage) influencing the adsorption experiments were optimised using central composite design. Freundlich, Langmuir and Flory-Huggin isotherm models were used to study the adsorption isotherms. The results obtained revealed that the maximum adsorption capacity was up to 156 mg g−1. The kinetic studies demonstrated that the adsorption process was best described by pseudo-second-order model and the equilibrium data followed Langmuir isotherm model. The optimised batch method was then applied for the removal of amoxicillin in real wastewater samples. In addition, the zinc oxide coated carbon nanofibers nanocomposite was found to reusable up to fifteen cycles.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
