Drug adsorption and anti-microbial activity of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were first oxidized (O-CNTs) to introduce carboxylic group and then further functionalized (F-CNTs) with m-phenylenediamine, which was confirmed by FTIR and SEM. It was used as an effective adsorbent for the adsorptive removal of diclofenac drug from water. Under optimum conditions of pH 6, stirring speed 600 rpm, the maximum adsorption capacity obtained was 532 mg g^-1 which is superior to the values reported in literature. The adsorption was quite rapid as 25 mg L^-1 drug solution was adsorbed in only 3 minutes of contact time with 10 mg of adsorbent dose. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms were studied using various models to evaluate the adsorption process. The results showed that the data best fit in kinetics pseudo-second order and Langmuir isotherm model. Furthermore, the oxidized and functionalized MWCNTs were applied on gram-negative Escherichia coli and gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus using agar disc diffusion assay to validate their anti-microbial activity. Results were unique as both oxidized and functionalized MWCNTs were equally active against both E. coli and S. aureus. The newly synthesized F-CNTs have great potential in water treatment, with their dual action of removing drug and pathogens from water, makes it potential applicant to save environment.