Synthesis of activated carbon from banana peels for dye removal of an aqueous solution in textile industries: optimization, kinetics, and isotherm aspects
Talbachew Tadesse Nadew, Mestawot Keana, Tsegaye Sisay, Belay Getye, Nigus Gabbiye Habtu
Abstract
Abstract Treatment of harmful chemicals using materials at our disposal is the way forward. This study activated bio-adsorbent from waste banana for dye removal from an aqueous solution. The banana peel was activated both thermally and chemically with a preliminary study of a 0.5−2.5 M sulfuric acid concentration, and 50−90 °C of temperature for 1−5 h activation time. Activation at 1.5 M acid concentration, 70 °C for 3 h showed a promising efficacy of about 90% of removing dye. Activated banana peel was characterized using proximate analysis, BET, TGA, SEM, XRD, and FTIR. BET results showed activated banana peel to be porous material with a surface area of 432 m2/g. The adsorption capacity of the adsorbent with different variables range (adsorption time 20−140 min, pH 1.0−7.0, adsorbent dose 1−4 g/L and initial dye concentration 20−80 mg/L) was tested based on a preliminary study. The adsorption process was optimized numerically and the results were; adsorption time 60 min, pH 3, adsorbent dose 2 g/L and initial dye concentration 40 mg/L. The pseudo-second-order kinetics model and Langmuir isotherm model were the best fit to describe the adsorption process.