Efficient decolorization of cationic dye (malachite green) by natural-based biosorbent (nano-magnetic Sophora Japonica fruit seed biochar)

Abstract

Today, the importance of materials produced by natural means or by synthesis is increasing in the prevention of increasing water pollution. Sophora Japonica fruit seeds (SJfs) were pyrolyzed at 450 °C to produce SJfs-biochar (SJfsB) in this study. Iron nanoparticles were immobilized to the SJfsB structure to form a more active biosorbent matrix. SJfsB and the resulting novel biosorbent (nanomagnetic-Sophora Japonica fruit seeds biochar (nM-SJfsB) were used to remove malachite green (MG) from an aqueous solution. Fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy were used to elucidate the details of the biosorbent properties. The effect on removal was investigated using various parameters. A combined strategy was used to define the adsorption parameters such as adsorbent amount, time, initial dye concentration, pH, and temperature. The maximum adsorption capacity determined by the Langmuir model was 51.020 mg/g for SJfsB-MG and 101.010 mg/g was found for nM-SJfsB-MG. The pseudo second order equation made the equilibrium data suitable. After regeneration, nM-SJfsB can be used for re-adsorption studies and reused for multiple cycles in adsorption and desorption applications without discharging nano-iron particles into aqueous medium.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Adsorption isotherms
• kinetics
• organic dye
• water purification
• magnetic nanoparticles