Benzene removal by hybrid of nanotubes and magnetic nanoparticle from aqueous solution

Abstract

A single-wall carbon nanotube devised by magnetic nanoparticles (SWCNT-MN) on their internal surface was synthesized via the modified sol–gel method and implemented in a batch and continuous reactor for benzene removal from aqueous solutions. The presence of MN in SWCNT changed its surface properties and increased its adsorption efficiency displaying the good ferromagnetic property. The results obtained from the design of the experiment demonstrated that optimum pH and adsorbent dose for benzene removal by SWCNT-MN was 8 and 2,000 mg/L, respectively, and resulted in the best performance of the adsorption, 98.6% benzene removal, in a 100 mg/L solution in only 20 min. A comparative study on benzene adsorption capacity shows that the SWCNT-MN showed better performance than the single-wall carbon nanotube and magnetic nanoparticles. This suggests that the SWCNT-MN was efficient for benzene adsorption from aqueous solutions and it possessed a good potential for benzene removal from polluted water and wastewater.

Keywords:

• Benzene
• Carbon nanotubes
• Magnetic nanoparticle
• Aqueous solution

Acknowledgments

This article is the result of PhD thesis approved in the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (IUMS). The authors wish to thank Vice Chancellor of Research of IUMS for the financial support. Research Project, #389065.