Removal of Cationic Dye in Aquatic Medium by Using a New Composite Material

Abstract

In this study, a new composite material containing polyacrylamide (PAA) and diatomite (D) was developed and characterized for effective removal of Methylene Blue (MB) dye in aquatic medium. The obtained new composite material, polyacrylamide-diatomite (PAA-D) was characterized by point zero charge (PZC), FTIR analysis. The adsorption properties of new composite material were investigated comprehensively and experimental variables were optimized such as concentration, pH, temperature, time and ionic strength. Experimental data were evaluated by using theoretical adsorption models. The maximum adsorption capacity of material was calculated as 0.019 mol kg−1 by considering Langmuir equation. The constants calculated from Freundlich and DR model were found as 0.075 and 0.034, respectively. Adsorption kinetic was also explained with pseudo second order and intra particular diffusion models. Experimental studies were showed that adsorption was endothermic and occurred spontaneously. New developed material can be used as potential adsorbent in order to removal of methylene blue from various medium such as wastewater.