The research paper presents a study on the development of a novel adsorbent composed of magnesium oxide (MgO) nanostructures combined with natural clinoptilolite (Cp) zeolite, aimed at enhancing the adsorption of methyl orange (MO), a toxic anionic dye. The synthesis of various MgO/Cp composites was achieved through a co-precipitation method, and their characteristics were analyzed using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The results indicated that the 20 wt.% MgO/Cp composite exhibited the highest adsorption efficiency for MO.
Isotherm models, including Langmuir, Freundlich, and others, were employed to analyze the adsorption data, with the Temkin and Langmuir models fitting the equilibrium data best for the 20 wt.% MgO/Cp composite. Kinetic studies favored the Fractal-Langmuir model, and thermodynamic investigations were conducted to understand the nature of the adsorption process. The study utilized response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the conditions for dye removal, identifying optimal parameters of pH 4.9, temperature 54.5 °C, and an adsorbent-to-adsorbate ratio of 0.129 g/g, achieving a dye removal efficiency of 98.5%.
The introduction highlights the environmental significance of removing organic dyes from wastewater and discusses various treatment methods, emphasizing the advantages of adsorption. The article also reviews previous studies on the adsorption capabilities of clinoptilolite and MgO, establishing the rationale for combining these materials. The findings contribute to the understanding of adsorption dynamics and provide a cost-effective solution for dye removal in wastewater treatment.
This research paper is significant in the field of environmental chemistry and wastewater treatment, as it addresses the pressing issue of dye pollution in industrial effluents. The development of the MgO/Clinoptilolite nanocomposite represents a novel approach that combines the strengths of both materials, enhancing adsorption efficiency while maintaining cost-effectiveness. The study contributes to ongoing discussions about sustainable and efficient methods for wastewater treatment, particularly in developing countries where resources may be limited. By optimizing the adsorption process through RSM, the research offers practical insights that can be applied in industrial settings, potentially leading to improved environmental outcomes.
