The Suitability of Fe3O4/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite for Adsorptive Removal of Methylene Blue and Congo Red

Abstract

In this study, Fe3O4/GO nanocomposite was synthesized by hydrothermal method and tested for its efficiency in removing methylene blue (MB) and congo red (CR) from water. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optimal values for MB and CR removal were determined to be pH 6.0, an adsorbent weight of 50.0 mg, and a contact time of 10 min. The adsorption isotherms of the contaminants on the nanocomposite were analyzed using the Freundlich model, indicating a heterogeneous distribution of active sites on the adsorbent surface. The highest adsorption capacity of MB and CR is 135.1 and 285.7 mg.g-1, respectively. Moreover, Fe3O4/GO nanocomposite recycled five cycles with proper adsorption capacity. Overall, the Fe3O4/GO nanocomposite holds great promise for efficient and sustainable water treatment, providing safe and clean water globally.