Response surface methodology modeling for methylene blue removal by chemically modified porous carbon: Adsorption mechanism and role of surface functional groups

ABSTRACT

The present study utilized chemically modified porous carbon (CMPC) as a robust adsorbent for MB treatment. The characteristic findings revealed the existence of many functional groups (C–O/C = O, C–C/C = C, C–OH, – COOH, C–C = O, etc.) on the surface of the high-defect structure of CMPC. Additionally, influential factors: methylene blue (MB) concentration (116–284 mg/L), CMPC dosage (0.16–1.84 g/L), and pH (3.6–10.4) were assessed by response surface methodology. By applying optimized conditions, the highest MB removal and adsorption capacity were confirmed at 90% and 181.82 mg/g, respectively. Role of surface functional groups in adsorption mechanisms was meticulously explained.

KEYWORDS:

• Methylene blue
• modified porous carbon
• response surface methodology
• functional groups
• adsorption mechanism

Additional information

Funding

This research is funded by Foundation for Science and Technology Development Nguyen Tat Thanh University under grant No. [2020.01.149/HĐ-KHCN].