Energy Efficient Activated Charcoal for Removal of Cationic Dyes under Static Conditions

IJEP 42(2): 226-233 : Vol. 42 Issue. 2 (February 2022)

Chandrakala M.1 and Anima Upadhyay2*

1. Bharathiar University, Research and Development Centre, Coimbatore – 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India
2. Sir MVIT, Department of Chemistry, Bangalore – 562 157, Karnataka, India

Abstract

In the present study, removal of water-soluble cationic dyes under static conditions was studied using non-toxic, low-cost and energy-efficient Karanj fruit shell activated charcoal (KFS-AC). The study reveals that removal of upto 90% of dye (methylene blue and malachite green) on KFS-AC without agitation at room temperature was observed. The effect of various parameters, such as pH, volume of dye, contact time and adsorbent dosage was investigated. The KFS-AC showed a wide pH range of adsorption with highest adsorption at pH 11.3. The adsorption properties of activated charcoal were studied using equilibrium isotherm models (Langmuir and Freundlich). The Langmuir model yields a much better fit than Freundlich model for both dyes having high regression values. The results revealed that energy-efficient activated charcoal prepared from Karanj fruit shell is highly effective in the removal of Methylene Blue and Malachite Green dyes from their aqueous solutions and can be used as a reliable alternative to high-cost commercial adsorbents.

Keywords

Karanj fruit shell, Activated charcoal, Cationic dyes, Isotherm models, Adsorption

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