Magnetic nanopowder as effective adsorbent for the removal of Congo Red from aqueous solution

Abstract

A magnetic iron oxide nanopowder (MnP), prepared by a simple and efficient combustion synthesis technique, was tested for the removal of the anionic dye Congo Red (CR) from aqueous solution. The influence of solution pH, adsorbent dose, temperature, contact time and initial dye concentration on the adsorption of CR onto MnP were investigated. It was shown that the CR adsorption was pH dependent and the adsorption mechanism was governed by electrostatic forces. The adsorption kinetic was best described by the pseudo-second-order model and the equilibrium data were well fitted to the Langmuir isotherm, yielding maximum adsorption capacity of 54.46 mg g−1. The undeniable advantages of the MnP adsorbent such as inexpensive preparation method, good adsorption capacity and easy separation using an external magnetic field, recommend it as a promising candidate for the removal of anionic dyes from polluted water.