The performance of multi-walled carbon nanotubes-based filters with acid functionalization for enhanced methylene blue removal from water resources
B. Deepanraj, Vineet Tirth, Ali Algahtani, E.M. Elsehly
Abstract
In the current investigation, functionalization of the multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-TMD) is conducted to enhance the adsorption potential applications. A ratio of 1:3 of the oxidizing acids (HNO3 and H2SO4) is used to attach the oxygen functional groups to the surface of MWCNTs and the prepared sample is F-MWCNT. To examine the surface morphology of the functionalized tubes in the prepared samples, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were utilized. Meanwhile, energy dispersive X-ray, and X-ray diffraction analysis were employed to account for the elemental composition and structure, respectively. The data obtained from these investigations revealed a notable decrease in the length and diameter of the functionalized tubes. The adsorption efficiency of F-MWCNTs was examined by methylene blue removal from aqueous solutions. The results demonstrated that the removal percentage of F-MWCNTs could reach 80%. Functionalized MWCNTs have greater surface area than the pristine one, which improves the efficiency of MWCNTs-based filters for water purification. The functionalization process provides an effective approach to modify MWCNTs and significantly enhances their adsorption efficiency.