Removal of methyl orange and methylene blue by both metallic (Ag, Cu) and bimetallic (Ag/Cu) nanoparticles: adsorption isotherms and kinetics
摘要
In this study, the adsorption of Methylene Blue (MB) and Methyl Orange (MO) dyes from aqueous solutions onto both metallic Ag NPs and Cu NPs and bimetallic Ag/Cu NPs obtained from the extract of Helichrysum arenarium, an aromatic plant, by green synthesis method was investigated and equilibrium isotherms and kinetic models were determined. The adsorption parameters, such as pH, adsorbent amount, contact time and initial concentration were optimized. The most successful removal for MO was achieved with Ag/Cu NPs at 76.9% under optimum conditions (20 mg/L MO, 20 mg Ag/Cu NPs, 60 min contact time, pH 2), while that for MB was achieved with Ag NPs at 82.7% under optimum conditions (20 mg/L MB, 20 mg Ag NPs, 60 min contact time, pH 4). Moreover, the adsorption data were modelled by Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms and Langmuir adsorption was found to be the most appropriate adsorption isotherm model for both MB and MO. Furthermore, while the pseudo-first-order reaction kinetic model was found to be the most suitable for MO dye, the pseudo-second-order reaction kinetic model was found to be the most suitable for MB dye. Based on the experimental results, bimetallic Ag/Cu NPs can be considered as effective, economic, and alternative adsorbent based on the maximum adsorption capacities which were found to be 191.696 mg/g for MO and 374.001 mg/g for MB. The highest efficiency of bimetallic Ag/Cu NPs is due to the properties of both Ag NPs and Cu NPs.
Graphical abstract