Investigation of Safranin O adsorption on superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) and multi-wall carbon nanotube/SPION composites

Abstract

The Safranin O (SO) adsorption from aqueous solutions on superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (SPION) and multi-wall carbon nanotubes/SPION (MWCNT/SPION) composites was investigated. The effects of adsorption variables on the process were investigated. These variables are the amount of adsorbent, contact time, pH of the solution, temperature, and initial concentration of the solution. Also, these results were supported by equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics models. The characterization of MWCNT/ SPION composites was made using Scanning electron microscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction techniques. The MWCNT/SPION composites were more effective adsorbents than SPIONs for SO adsorption. The SO adsorption efficiency of MWCNT/SPIONs was found 98%. The SO adsorption efficiency of SPIONs was found 14%. Both of the adsorbents were fitted to Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models.