Kinetics and thermodynamic study of aniline adsorption by multi-walled carbon nanotubes from aqueous solution

► Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used for the adsorptive removal of aniline. ► Adsorption was dependent on MWCNTs dosage, contact time, aniline concentration, and solution pH and temperature. ► Kinetic study revealed that the adsorption followed the pseudo-second order. ► Adsorption of aniline occurs in two consecutive steps including slow intra-particle diffusion through the nanotubes. ► Thermodynamic studies indicated the spontaneity and exothermic nature of the adsorption.