Application of magnetite nanoparticle-modified walnut shell as an adsorbent for the removal of the organic dye Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250

Abstract

In this research, a magnetic nanocomposite, walnut shell@Fe₃O₄, was synthesized as a natural adsorbent for the removal of Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB) R-250 organic dye from aqueous solutions, achieving a remarkable removal efficiency of 96.16%. The morphology of the nanocomposite was characterized using SEM and FTIR, revealing particle sizes of less than 18 nanometers. Additionally, BET analysis was performed, indicating a high surface area that enhances adsorption capacity. The influential variables affecting dye removal, including solution pH, stirring time, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, temperature, and ionic strength, were optimized. The adsorption process was analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models. The experimental results indicated that the process followed the Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models, suggesting the heterogeneous nature of the adsorbent surface. The kinetic conditions of adsorption were investigated using pseudo-first order and pseudo-second-order models, with results showing that the adsorption process of CBB followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, indicating the chemical adsorption of the dye onto the magnetic nanoparticles. Thermodynamic studies also revealed the spontaneous nature of the adsorption process, with a positive slope of the Van't Hoff curve indicating an exothermic reaction. Due to the equilibrium time of 5 minutes in the adsorption mechanism, the synthesized magnetic nanocomposite demonstrated a high CBB dye removal rate, making it suitable for treating dye-containing solutions.