Investigating the Performance of Activated Carbon Adsorbent Modified with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Removing Crystal Violet From Water

This study investigated the adsorption of crystal violet by magnetic active carbon adsorbent synthesized from the abundant and low-cost Oleaster source. Carbon charcoal was first prepared from the seed and peal of Oleaster, and two different acidic and basic activating agents were used to activate it. Activated carbon synthesized under optimal conditions (using Oleaster seed and acidic activator) was modified by placing iron oxide nanoparticles on the surface. Effects of various parameters, including pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, temperature, and dye concentration, on the adsorption process of crystal violet were investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity was obtained as 91.7431 mg/g under pH=8, adsorbent dose 0.5 g/l, time 30 min, temperature 25 oC, and initial concentration 10 mg/l. Examining isotherms and adsorption kinetics showed a better data fit with Langmuir isotherm and second-order kinetics. Thermodynamic investigation indicated the physical and exothermic nature of adsorption and spontaneous degree reduction at high temperatures. The adsorbent regeneration tests confirmed its high ability to be reused during consecutive cycles.