Benzene removal by hybrid of nanotubes and magnetic nanoparticle from aqueous solution

Abstract

A single-wall carbon nanotube devised by magnetic nanoparticles (SWCNT-MN) on their internal surface was synthesized via the modified sol-gel method and implemented in a batch and continuous reactor for benzene removal from aqueous solutions. The presence of MN in SWCNT changed its surface properties and increased its adsorption efficiency displaying the good ferromagnetic property. The results obtained from the design of the experiment demonstrated that optimum pH and adsorbent dose for benzene removal by SWCNT-MN was 8 and 2,000mg/L, respectively, and resulted in the best performance of the adsorption, 98.6 benzene removal, in a 100mg/L solution in only 20min. A comparative study on benzene adsorption capacity shows that the SWCNT-MN showed better performance than the single-wall carbon nanotube and magnetic nanoparticles. This suggests that the SWCNT-MN was efficient for benzene adsorption from aqueous solutions and it possessed a good potential for benzene removal from polluted water and wastewater.