The performance of multi-walled carbon nanotubes-based filters with acid functionalization for enhanced methylene blue removal from water resources

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.

Keywords

• Functionalization
• FMWCNTs
• MB
• Water purification
• Adsorption