Adsorption of Methyl Orange on Magnetically Separable Mesoporous Titania Nanocomposite

The adsorption of mesoporous Fe3O4–SiO2–TiO2 (MFST), which can be separated easily from solution by a magnet, for the removal of methyl orange (MO) was investigated. The nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurement shows successful synthesis of MFST with an average pore size of 3.8 nm and a large specific surface area of 55 m2·g− 1. About 95% adsorption percentage of MO is achieved with an initial concentration of 10 mg·L− 1 in the dark and the MFST exhibits superior adsorption ability under acid conditions. The adsorption data fit well with the pseudo-second order model for adsorption. After 4 cycles, the adsorption rate for MO remains 74% in the dark and the MFST can be recovered in a magnetic field with a recovery of about 80 % (by mass). It demonstrates that the samples have significant value on applications of wastewater treatment.

Mesoporous Fe3O4–SiO2–TiO2 (MFST), which can be separated easily from solution by a magnet, was prepared and its adsorption ability for the removal of methyl orange (MO) was investigated. The results confirmed that the sample synthesized has promising prospect in water treatment. Specially, MFST was recovered in a magnetic field with a recovery of about 80 wt.% after 4 cycles and the adsorption rate of MFST still remains 74% after 4 cycles, indicating that the MFST maintains a good stability for applications.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide