Modified Activated carbon by in-situ co-precipitation process of tetra metal oxide magnetic nanocomposite for adsorption of Th(IV) from aqueous media

Abstract

Abstract Activated carbon was doped by tetra metal oxide magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3n Con Cun Srn O7n) by in-situ co-precipitation process to prepare a new efficient adsorbent (AC4MO) for thorium ions removal from aqueous media. Also, tetra metal oxide magnetic nanoparticles (4MO) used for removing thorium ions from aqueous media. The morphology and structural properties of the new magnetic nanocomposites 4MO and AC4MO have been described by SEM, EDX, TEM, XRD, and FTIR. Four operating conditions parameters have been studied in the adsorption process for new adsorbents, pH, contact time, initial concentration, and temperature. The adsorption kinetics has been well described by the pseudo-second order model, while the Langmuir model better fits the adsorption isotherms. 4MO and AC4MO adsorption capacities were 222.22 and 714.29 mg/g, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters have been calculated to indicate the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the adsorption process and show that AC4MO has little sensitivity to temperature. The results showed that 4MO and AC4MO have higher selectivity towards Th(IV) ions from radioactive wastewater. AC4MO is the more effective adsorbent and has a higher adsorption capacity for Th(IV) as discussed in the comparative study.