Isotherm and kinetic studies on adsorption of malachite green using chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles

Abstract

In the present study, chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were used for adsorption of the dye malachite green (MG). The process variables such as nanoparticle dosage, pH and temperature were optimized for the decolourization of MG dye solution using the response surface methodology (RSM). At the optimized parameter condition, studies were carried out for effects with respect to various concentrations of dye and time for isotherm and kinetic studies, respectively. RSM was also employed for the enhanced production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopic, scanning electron microscopic and Fourier transform infrared analyses. From the results, it was concluded that the AgNPs readily decolourized MG dye. At the optimized conditions, maximum removal (more than 90%) of MG dye occurred. It was also found that the D–R isotherm and intraparticle diffusion fitted the data better as compared to other isotherm and kinetic models.