Advances in Nano Research

Volume 3, Number 2, 2015, pages 111-121

DOI: 10.12989/anr.2015.3.2.111

Cobalt ferrite nanotubes and porous nanorods for dye removal

E. Girgis, D. Adel, C. Tharwat, O. Attallah and K.V. Rao

Abstract

CoFe2O4 nanotubes and porous nanorods were prepared via a simple one-pot template-free hydrothermal method and were used as an adsorbent for the removal of dye contaminants from water. The properties of the synthesized nanotubes and porous nanorods were characterized by electron diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and x-ray powder diffraction. The Adsorption characteristics of the CoFe2O4 were examined using polar red dye and the factors affecting adsorption, such as, initial dye concentration, pH and contact time were evaluated. The overall trend followed an increase of the sorption capacity reaching a maximum of 95% dye removal at low pHs of 2-4. An enhancement in the removal efficiency was also noticed upon increasing the contact time between dye molecules and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles. The final results indicated that the CoFe2O4 nanotubes and porous nanorods can be considered as an efficient low cost and recyclable adsorbent for dye removal with efficiency 94% for Cobalt ferrite nanotubes and for Cobalt ferrite porous nanorods equals 95% .

Key Words

porous nanoparticles; nanorods; dye removal; waste water treatment

Address

E. Girgis, D. Adel, C. Tharwat, O. Attallah: Solid State Physics Department, National Research Centre, 12622 Dokki, Giza, Egypt K.V. Rao: Department of Materials Science, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm SE-100 44, Sweden