Adsorption efficiency of crystal violet from the aqueous phase onto a carbonaceous material prepared from waste cotton and polyester

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate waste cotton and polyester as effective potential adsorbents for the removal of crystal violet (CV) from aqueous phases. Carbonaceous materials (VCP1000 or VC1000) from waste cotton and polyester were prepared at different calcination temperatures, and their characteristics were assessed using scanning electron microscopy, pH_pzc, surface functional groups, and specific surface areas. The values of the parameters of VCP1000 or VC1000 were greater than those of other adsorbents. Additionally, adsorption experiments were performed in batch mode, and various parameters, including initial concentration, adsorption temperature, contact time, and pH, were demonstrated in this study. The amount of CV adsorbed onto VCP1000 and/or VC1000 was higher than those onto other VCP and/or VC adsorbents. The adsorption equilibrium of CV was achieved within 24 h. These data were fitted to the pseudo-second-order model (correlation coefficient: 0.991–0.995). The adsorption capacity increased with increasing adsorption temperatures (7 °C < 25 °C < 45 °C). The adsorption isotherm data were fitted to both the Langmuir and Freundlich models as well. The adsorption of CV using VCP1000 or VC1000 was significantly influenced by pH under our experimental conditions. Finally, elemental distribution and binding energy analyses were conducted to elucidate the adsorption mechanisms of CV. The obtained results indicate that the adsorbed CV was presented onto the VCP1000 and/or VC1000 surface. Collectively, these obtained results show that VCP1000 or VC1000 holds promise for the removal of CV from aqueous phases.