Adsorption of malachite green from aqueous solutions onto ordered mesoporous carbons

The carbon materials with well-ordered mesoporous tubular structure were synthesized, which were confirmed by transmission electronmicroscopy (TEM), Raman spectrum, small angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), and N2 adsorption/desorption analysis. Moreover, by adjusting the ratio of furfuryl alcohol (FA) and trimethylbenzene (TMB), the structural parameters of the ordered mesoporous carbons (OMCs) could be facilely tuned. The materials synthesized were applied as a host in adsorption MG molecules. The carbon materials after the adsorption of Malachite green (MG) were also characterized by XRD and N2 adsorption/desorption analysis. The results showed that the adsorption of MG had not greatly changed the basic ordered pore structure of the OMCs. The mixed 1,2-order equation(MOE) was suitable for the dynamic adsorption of MG on OMCs. Thermodynamic parameters of adsorption such as free energy change and enthalpy change were obtained from the equilibrium constants at different temperatures. The thermodynamic data indicated that MG adsorption onto OMCs was a spontaneous and exothermic physical process.

► Adsorption of MG onto OMCs was reported for the first time.
► Adsorption of MG had not greatly changed the basic ordered pore structure of the OMCs.
► The mixed 1,2-order equation was suitable for the dynamic adsorption of MG on OMCs.
► Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG0, ΔH0) were obtained at different temperatures.