A Comparative Study of the Physico-Chemical Properties and Methylene Blue Adsorption Behaviour of Fly Ash, Nano-Oxides and the Composite Materials of Nano-Oxides and Fly Ash

Authors

  • Olushola S Ayanda Environmental and Nano Science Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa
  • Olalekan S Fatoki Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa
  • Folahan A Adekola Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
  • Bhekumusa J Ximba Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa
  • Jimoh O Tijani Environmental and Nano Science Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
  • Leslie F Petrik Environmental and Nano Science Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa

Abstract

In this present study, composite materials involving fly ash produced from coal combustion and nano-oxides were prepared. The nature, morphology and properties of the precursors and the composite materials were determined by modern instrumental analytical techniques such as carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen (CNH) analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and porosity analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction. Particle size distribution, ash content, pH and point of zero charge were also investigated. The adsorption kinetics of methylene blue (MB) onto these adsorbents was examined. Experimental results showed that the composition of fly ash and nano-oxides contributed to the development of intergranular voids and crevices with high surface and micropore areas that enhanced the adsorption of MB from an aqueous solution. The adsorption of MB onto the precursors and the composite materials follow the pseudo-second order kinetic model.

Keywords:

Fly ash, Nano-oxides, nFe3O4/fly ash, nSiO2/fly ash, nZnO/fly ash, Methylene blue, Adsorption, Kinetics

Published

2014-12-15

How to Cite

Ayanda, O. S., Fatoki, O. S., Adekola, F. A., Ximba, B. J., Tijani, J. O., & Petrik, L. F. (2014). A Comparative Study of the Physico-Chemical Properties and Methylene Blue Adsorption Behaviour of Fly Ash, Nano-Oxides and the Composite Materials of Nano-Oxides and Fly Ash. International Journal of Chemistry and Materials Research, 2(12), 148–165. Retrieved from https://archive.conscientiabeam.com/index.php/64/article/view/1841

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 12 (2014)

Section

Articles