Synthesis and characterization of clay graphene oxide iron oxide (clay/GO/Fe2O3)-nanocomposite for adsorptive removal of methylene blue dye from wastewater

Abstract

Multifunctional clay graphene oxide iron oxide nanocomposite was prepared for exploring the multiple applications by using single composite. Activated MM clay (local clay “Multani Matti”) and graphene oxide (16 and 5%) were mixed gradually to already prepared Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles followed by annealing at 550 °C to get the fine structured nanocomposite. Clay graphene oxide iron oxide nanocomposite structure was revealed to be face centered cubic with the average particle size of 13.31 nm. The JCPDS data card # (00–013-0458), (00–039-1894) and (00–001-0646) were used to confirm the XRD peaks of synthesized nanocomposite. The prepared nanocomposite showed colorimetric detection of ascorbic acid using paper sensor when treated with uric acid and ascorbic acid respectively. Antibacterial results confirmed the biologically active nature of synthesized material. The photo-luminescence peaks at higher absorption range correlate the minimum efficiency of photocatalytic application than that of adsorption. The adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes are main perspectives observed for synthesized Clay/GO/Fe₂O₃ nanomaterial. BET result shows a higher surface area confirming the capability of Clay/GO/Fe₂O₃ nanomaterial an improved adsorbent material for removal of toxic dyes even in lower concentration. The nanocomposite showed capability of all the parameters of adsorption studies in terms of effect of contact time, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, pH and temperature by removing methylene blue (MB). Results showed that adsorption of MB followed second order kinetic model. The improved performance of the nanocomposite compared to single phase materials proved to be an appealing contender being used as an efficient adsorbent which could replace conventional and multiple methods for treatment of waste waters as well.