Shape-tunable CuO-Nd(OH)_3 nanocomposites with excellent adsorption capacity in organic dye removal and regeneration of spent adsorbent to reduce secondary waste

摘要

Herein, we report for the first time, the synthesis of CuO-Nd(OH)(3) nanocomposites via a co-precipitation method coupled with the hydrothermal aging process. Varying the pH of the reaction medium, the shape of the nanocomposites could be controlled which determines their surface areas. These CuO-Nd(OH)(3) nanocomposites exhibit very high adsorption capacity with successful removal of similar to 97% of brilliant blue G (BBG) from water in 180 min under ambient condition. The adsorption process primarily follows Lagergren pseudo-first-order kinetics. The Langmuir isotherm model fits well with a very high monolayer adsorption capacity of 394.1 mg g(-1) at 30 degrees C. The mechanistic study supports chemisorption-type adsorption between the dye molecule and the adsorbent. Regeneration of the spent adsorbent makes the whole process cyclic and eco-friendly.