Development of hybrid adsorbent for effective aqueous phase sorptive removal of copper

Alginate beads (ABs) immobilized with hydrous zirconium oxide (ZO) were used as a hybrid adsorbent (ZO@AB) for the effective removal of copper ions [Cu(II)] from aqueous phase. ZO@AB was characterized using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy to confirm the impregnation of ABs with ZO and the adsorption of Cu(II) onto ZO@AB. The maximum equilibrium sorption capacity of ZO@AB for Cu(II) was 63.1 mg·g⁻¹ at pH 5. The Cu(II) removal rate was high at the beginning of reaction, with >90% adsorption within 24 hours, and equilibrium was achieved within 48 hours. The adsorption of Cu(II) onto ZO@AB was well described by pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model (R² > 0.99), and the monolayer nature of sorption was supported by the Langmuir model (R² > 0.99). The sorption process was endothermic, favorable, and spontaneous in nature. Regarding the reusability of the adsorbent, its sorption capacity remained satisfactory (>90%) throughout the 5 consecutive cycles (regeneration in 0.1 mol·L⁻¹ HCl). The stoichiometric ratio of released calcium ions [Ca(II)] to adsorbed copper ions [Cu(II)] was approximately 1:1, confirming that ion exchange was the main mechanism for removal of Cu(II) from aqueous phase. The developed adsorbent (ZO@AB) shows promise as a candidate for the effective and selective removal of Cu(II) from aqueous phase.     

Preparation of ferric nitrate–graphene nanocomposite and its adsorption of arsenic(V) from simulated arsenic‐containing wastewater

Ferric nitrate–graphene (FG) nanocomposites synthesized via the equivalent‐volume impregnation method were used for the removal of As(V) species from simulated arsenic‐containing wastewater. Effects of various factors were assessed, such as the reaction temperature, solution pH, adsorbent dosage, and reaction time. The results indicated that the As(V) removal efficiency was as high as 99%, and the concentration of arsenic‐containing wastewater after FG treatment was as low as 9.4 μg L^–1 as a result of the optimal absorption capacity and maximum specific surface area (171.766 m²/g) of this material. The equilibrium adsorption capacity of FG for As(V) was achieved in approximately 20 min, and the maximum adsorption capacity was calculated to be 112.4 mg g^–1 by Langmuir adsorption isotherm, which was higher than that of other adsorbents such as manganese‐incorporated iron(III) oxide–graphene (14.42 mg g^–1). Moreover, the removal efficiency of As(V) can be maintained above 95% under acidic and alkaline conditions. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis showed that the modified FG pore structure was regular. Based on the characterizations by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared, the products on the surface of the used FG were Fe(OH)₃, FeAsO₄, and other compounds, and As(V) was mainly removed by the formation of insoluble compounds and coprecipitation.     

A novel green biosorbent from chitosan modified by sodium phytate for copper (II) ion removal

A novel kind of adsorbent bead was prepared from chitosan (CS) by ionic‐linked with sodium phytate (SP) and then covalent cross‐linked with epichlorohydrin (ECH) by nonsolvent‐induced phase separation. The structure of the beads was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The adsorption properties of the beads for Cu(II) ions under different adsorption conditions were investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cu(II) ions was 177.1 mg g⁻¹ at the conditions of pH of 5.2, temperature of 50°C, and initial Cu(II) ion concentration of 728.3 mg L⁻¹. The adsorption isotherm of Cu(II) ions on the CS/SP/ECH beads was well correlated with the Langmuir isotherm model, and the whole adsorption process could be better followed the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Moreover, the CS/SP/ECH beads still exhibited good adsorption capacity even after the 15th regeneration cycles.     

Synthesis of nitrogen doped activated carbon/polyaniline material for CO2 adsorption

The equilibrium adsorption isotherms of carbon dioxide and nitrogen on the nitrogen doped activated carbon (NAC) prepared by the chemical activation of a pine cone‐based char/polyaniline composite were measured using a volumetric technique. CO₂ and N₂ adsorption experiments were done at three different temperatures (298, 308, and 318 K) and pressures up to 16 bar, and correlated with the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Sips models. The Sips isotherm model presented the best fit to the experimental data. The N‐doped adsorbent showed CO₂ and N₂ adsorption capacity of 3.96 mmol·g⁻¹ and 0.86 mmol·g⁻¹, respectively, at 298 K and 1 bar. The selectivity predicted by ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) model was achieved 47.17 for NAC at 1 bar and y_N2 = 0.85 which is a composition similar to flue gas. The results showed that NAC adsorbent has a high CO₂‐over‐N₂ selectivity in a binary mixture. The relatively fast sorption rate of CO₂ on NAC compared to N₂ indicates the stronger affinity between CO₂ and amine groups. The isosteric heat of adsorption of CO₂ by the NAC demonstrated the physico‐chemical adsorption of CO₂ on the adsorbent surface. These data showed that prepared NAC could be successfully applied in separation of CO₂ from N₂.     

Mesoporous hollow silicon spheres modified with manganese ion sieve: Preparation and its application for adsorption of lithium and rubidium ions

In this work, mesoporous hollow silicon spheres modified with 3‐aminopropyl‐ triethoxysilane (APTES) of loaded hydrogen manganese oxide lithium ion sieve (APTES/HMO‐ HS) was prepared. The structure and morphology of as‐prepared APTES/HMO‐HS were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption‐desorption measurements. The Brunner‐Emmet‐Teller (BET) surface areas, pore diameters and pore volumes of APTES/HMO‐HS decreased gradually, while the Li:Mn:Si molar ratios range from 1:1:50 to 1:1:10. The obtained hierarchical porous APTES/50HMO‐HS has a high specific surface area (557.1694 m² g^‐1). The lithium and rubidium ions solutions were used to measure the adsorption performance of the APTES/HMO‐HS adsorbent. The pseudo‐first‐order and pseudo‐second‐order kinetics, Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms of APTES/HMO‐HS were investigated; suggesting that the adsorption kinetics can be described by the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model and the adsorption isotherms well fits the Langmuir isotherm equation. The obtained results show that the prepared APTES/HMO‐HS exhibits excellent abilities to simultaneously and selectively recover Li⁺ and Rb⁺ (11.22 mg·g^‐1 and 8.31 mg·g^‐1) and have a promising application in the simultaneous adsorption of lithium and rubidium ions.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and magnetic properties of a new tri‐nuclear iron (II,III) complex,a precursor for the preparation of superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles applicable in the removal of Cd2+

This study reports the structural and spectroscopic characterization of a novel metal organic compound formulated as [Fe (bpy)₃] [Fe (dipic)₂]₂.7H₂O ( 1 ) (dipic = pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylate and bpy = 2,2^′‐bipyridine). 1 was investigated by elemental analysis, FT‐IR spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction and single crystal X‐ray diffraction (SC‐XRD), which revealed a triclinic structure of expected composition. Thermal degradation of 1 was also investigated. Complex 1 was used as a precursor to prepare superparamagnetic nanoparticles of Fe₃O₄ by thermal analysis. The obtained Fe₃O₄ was characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were used as a nano‐adsorbent to remove Cd²⁺ from water at room temperature. The results showed that this nano‐adsorbent is effective in removing Cd²⁺ from contaminated water sources, and that the maximal effectivity of adsorption occurs at pH = 6. Magnetic measurements of complex 1 and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles at room temperature revealed paramagnetic and superparamagnetic behavior, respectively.     

Adsorption of Metanil Yellow Azoic Dye from Aqueous Solution onto Mg‐Fe‐NO3 Layered Double Hydroxide

We report the preparation and characterization of a layered double hydroxide (LDH) adsorbent for azoic dye, metanil yellow (yellow GX; YGX) removal. The nanoparticles of Mg‐Fe‐LDH‐NO₃ adsorbent were prepared with Mg/Fe molar ratio of 3:1 by a hydrothermal process and coprecipitation method at pH 9.5 and were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). The size and morphology of nanoparticles were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD patterns indicate that the intercalation of YGX between the LDH layers has not occurred and surface adsorption has happened. In the adsorption experiments, the Gibbs free energy ΔG⁰ values, the enthalpy ΔH⁰, and entropy ΔS⁰ was determined. The isotherms showed that the adsorption of YGX by Mg‐Fe‐LDH‐NO₃ was both consistent with Langmuir and Freundlich equations.     

Synthesis of propyl aminopyridine modified magnetite nanoparticles for cadmium (II) adsorption in aqueous solutions

In this study, 2‐aminopyridine functionalized magnetite nanoparticles were chemically synthesized and used for removing Cd²⁺ ions from aqueous solutions. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive analysis of X‐rays (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The SEM results showed the synthesized magnetite nanoparticles have particle size around 26 nm. The effects of several variables including solution pH and volume, adsorbent mass, ionic strength and contact time on the Cd²⁺ adsorption were studied in batch experiments and finally the optimum conditions for adsorption were obtained. The kinetic data were investigated by pseudo‐ first‐order, pseudo‐ second‐order, intraparticle diffusion and Elovich kinetic models and data were described reasonably by pseudo‐ second‐order model (R² = 0.9996) with q_e = 2.31 mg g^?1. Adsorption data were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models. The results indicated that the data were well fitted to the Freundlich isotherm model (R² = 0.9907). After study the possible interference effect of foreign ions on Cd²⁺ removal, the applicability of the proposed nanoparticles for adsorption from real samples confirmed the successfully removal of Cd²⁺ ions with removal efficiency higher than 92%. The obtained results showed that the synthesized nanoparticles as a reusable adsorbent can act as a good choice for Cd²⁺ removal with an easy procedure.     

Adsorption removal of methyl violet from aqueous solution by chromium phosphovanadate

An effective adsorbent for methyl violet (MV), chromium phosphovanadate (named as Cr‐PV) nanomaterials, was prepared by a simple coprecipitation strategy. The microstructure and morphology of as‐synthesized Cr‐PV were characterized by SEM, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), respectively, which was confirmed as nanosheet shapes. The adsorption behavior for MV from aqueous solutions was systematically investigated. The kinetic and equilibrium results indicate that the adsorption process follows pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm, respectively. Compared with PV and commercially available activated carbon, Cr‐PV has preferable adsorption property to MV. The maximum adsorption capacity can reach 123.81 mg g^?1 at room temperature. The thermodynamic parameters such as Gibbs free energy (ΔG^ο), enthalpy (ΔH^ο), and entropy change (ΔS^ο) show that the adsorption of MV is an endothermic and spontaneous process. Moreover, the adsorptive behavior between Cr‐PV and MV is monolayer adsorption and electrostatic interaction mechanism. Cr‐PV, as a promising adsorbent with high adsorption capacity and fast adsorption rate, shows great potential for the removal of MV from wastewater.     

Synthesis of mesoporous silica for adsorption of chlordiazepoxide and its determination by HPLC: Experimental design

In this work, mesoporous silica (SBA‐15‐NH₂) was used as an efficient adsorbent for extraction of chlordiazepoxide from different samples based on dispersive nanomaterial‐ultrasound assisted microextraction followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The prepared sorbent was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, low‐angle X‐ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and N₂ adsorption‐desorption surface area measurement. Several variables affecting the extraction efficiency of the chlordiazepoxide, including the amounts of adsorbent, time of adsorption, pH and volume of desorption solvent were optimized by central composite design combined with desirability function. The values of variables were set as 10 mg of SBA‐15‐NH₂, 15 min adsorption time, pH = 7.3 and 1 mL methanol. The linear response (0.998) was obtained in the range of 0.006–10 µgmL^?1 with detection limit 0.0014 µg/mL and extraction recovery was in the range of 91–96% with relative standard deviation < 6%.     

Equilibrium and kinetic study of novel methyltrimethoxysilane magnetic titanium dioxide nanocomposite for methylene blue adsorption from aqueous media

Novel magnetic titanium dioxide nanoparticles decorated with methyltrimethoxysilane (Fe₃O₄@TiO₂‐MTMOS) were successfully fabricated via a sol–gel method at room temperature. The synthesized material was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and vibrating sample magnetometry. The removal efficiency of the adsorbent was evaluated through the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye from water samples. The adsorption isotherm and kinetics were evaluated using various models. The Langmuir model indicated a high adsorption capacity (11.5 mg g^?1) of Fe₃O₄@TiO₂‐MTMOS. The nanocomposite exhibited high removal efficiency (96%) and good regeneration (10 times) compared to Fe₃O₄ and Fe₃O₄@TiO₂ at pH = 9.0. Based on the adsorption mechanism, electrostatic interaction plays a main role in adsorption since MB dye is cationic in nature at pH = 9, whereas the adsorbent acquired an anionic nature. The newly synthesized Fe₃O₄@TiO₂‐MTMOS can be used as a promising material for efficient removal of MB dye from aqueous media.     

Inherent Electrochemistry of Layered Post‐Transition Metal Halides: The Unexpected Effect of Potential Cycling of PbI2

The development of two‐dimensional nanomaterials has expedited the growth of advanced technological applications. PbI₂ is a layered inorganic solid with important and unique properties suitable for applications in the detection of electromagnetic radiation. While the optical and electrical properties of layered PbI₂ have been generally established, its electrochemistry has remained largely unexplored. In this work, we examine the inherent electrochemistry of PbI₂ in relation to its morphological and structural properties. A direct comparison between commercially available and solution‐grown PbI₂ showed high similarity in properties based on characterizations by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The respective layered PbI₂ materials also exhibited similar inherent electrochemistry. Electrochemical potential cycling of PbI₂ in phosphate buffer resulted in the dissolution of iodide ions from PbI₂ to form complex lead‐phosphate‐chloride with the oxygen groups of the phosphate ions while retaining the hexagonal structure. In the case of KCl solution, the formation of PbO₂ was observed.     

Dye degradation studies of Mo‐doped TiO2 thin films developed by reactive sputtering

TiO₂ thin films with various Mo concentrations have been deposited on glass and n‐type silicon (100) substrates by this radio‐frequency (RF) reactive magnetron sputtering at 400°C substrate temperature. The crystal structure, surface morphology, composition, and elemental oxidation states of the films have been analyzed by using X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. Ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy has been used to investigate the degradation, transmittance, and absorption properties of doped and undoped TiO₂ films. The photocatalytic degradation activity of the films was evaluated by using methylene blue under a light intensity of 100 mW cm⁻². The X‐ray diffraction patterns show the presence of anatase phase of TiO₂ in the developed films. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies have confirmed that Mo is present only as Mo⁶⁺ ions in all films. The Mo/TiO₂ band gap decreases from ~3.3 to 3.1 eV with increasing Mo dopant concentrations. Dye degradation of ~60% is observed in Mo/TiO₂ samples, which is much higher than that of pure TiO₂.     

Photocatalytic degradation of norfloxacin and its intermediate degradation products using nitrogen‐doped activated carbon–CuS nanocomposite assisted by visible irradiation

We have synthesized a nitrogen‐doped activated carbon (NAC) derived from oak using KOH and N₂ thermal treatment at 400 °C as well as CuS nanoparticles. The NAC was decorated with the synthesized CuS to apply as a photocatalyst for degradation of norfloxacin (NOR). Before its application for photodegradation, the adsorbent/photocatalyst structural properties were investigated using X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The photocatalytic degradation of NOR was successfully done under visible light using NAC–CuS. The results revealed that the investigated fluoroquinolone degraded very efficiently and pseudo‐first‐order kinetics was adopted for the photodegradation process. In addition, isothermal studies showed that the adsorption process in darkness followed the Langmuir model. The degradation characteristics of the NAC–CuS photocatalyst were studied for 120 min and 15 h under visible light for degradation of NOR, exhibiting a good efficiency for NOR removal. During 120 min of degradation, some intermediate degradation products that can be considered as secondary pollutants were produced. Then, to degrade these pollutants the radiation time was increased up to 15 h. The results displayed a perfect degradation of NOR and its secondary pollutants. The effective variables including pH, degradation time and photocatalyst dosage were optimized and studied in a multivariate method using Design Expert 7. Determination of photodegradation products was carried out using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results are of significance for estimating the environmental fate of NOR in aqueous media.     

A Prospect for Environmental Remediation of Perchlorate via Cost-Effective Pinus Leaves and Dandelion Flower Powder-based Layer Double Hydride (LDH) Sorbents

In this study, pine leaves powder (PiP) and dandelion flower powder (DFP) were repurposed to synthesize layered double hydroxides (LDHs) to form a base for sorbents used in perchlorate remediation from wastewater. The effects of the adsorbent dose, pH, thermodynamics, and coexisting ions were evaluated in batch experiments. The results revealed that 0.1 g adsorbent (PiP-LDH and DFP-LDH) removed 97% and 93% of perchlorate contaminants, respectively. In this study, the correlation coefficient of pseudo-second-order was higher than pseudo-first-order for all the LDHs. The kinetic and isotherm studies showed the best uptake of perchlorate in the short time was by PiP-LDH, followed by DFP-LDH (20 min and 40 min, respectively). The calculated and experimental values of adsorption at the equilibrium state also concurred with the pseudo-second-order model. The prepared LDHs were mesoporous. The surface area of PiP-LDH provided more adsorption sites, rendering it more suitable for perchlorate adsorption compared with the other two LDHs. The model suggests Physico-chemical interactions behind the sorption of perchlorate by LDHs. The adsorption was more influenced by anions i.e, PO₄³⁻ > SO₄²⁻ > NO₃ than monovalent anions due to the increase in the charge radius values. The prepared LDHs could be of great benefit to the environmental remediation of wastewater bodies.     

Synthesis of nano‐sized magnetite mesoporous carbon for removal of Reactive Yellow dye from aqueous solutions

In this study, core‐shell structures of magnetite nanoparticles coated with CMK‐8 ordered mesoporous carbon (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐CMK‐8 NPs) have been successfully synthesized for the first time by carbonizing sucrose inside the pores of the Kit‐6 mesoporous silica. The nano‐sized mesoporous particles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, dynamic light scattering, vibrating‐sample magnetometer, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and transmission electron microscopy instruments. The obtained nanocomposite was used for removal of Reactive Yellow 160 (RY 160) dye from aqueous samples. The N₂ adsorption–desorption method (at 77 K) confirmed the mesoporous structure of synthesized Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐CMK‐8 NPs. Also, the surface area was calculated by the BET method and Langmuir plot as 276.84 m²/g and 352.32 m²/g, respectively. The surface area, volume and pore diameter of synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) were calculated from the pore size distribution curves using the Barrett–Joyner–Halenda formula (BJH). To obtain the optimum experimental variables, the effect of various experimental parameters on the dye removal efficiency was studied using Taguchi orthogonal array experimental design method. According to the experimental results, about 90.0% of RY 160 was removed from aqueous solutions at the adsorbent amount of 0.06 g, pH 3 and ionic strength = 0.05 m during 10 min. The pseudo‐second order kinetic model provided a very good fit for the RY 160 dye removal (R² = 0.999). The Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich models were applied to describe the equilibrium isotherms, and the Langmuir isotherm showed the best fit to data with the maximum adsorption capacity of 62.893 mg/g. Furthermore, the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐CMK‐8 NPs could be simply recovered by external magnet, and exhibited recyclability and reusability for a subsequent six runs.     

Study of nano‐Cu/SiO2 catalysts for highly selective hydrogenation of acetophenone

Hydrogenation of acetophenone over nano‐Cu/SiO₂ catalysts was investigated. The catalysts, prepared by a liquid precipitation method using various precipitating agents, were characterized using low‐temperature nitrogen adsorption, X‐ray diffraction, temperature‐programmed desorption of ammonia, hydrogen temperature‐programmed reduction, transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that the catalysts prepared by a homogeneous precipitation method had better activity and stability than those prepared by a co‐precipitation method. The catalyst prepared using urea as precipitating agent had well‐dispersed copper species, high surface area and abundant pore structure. The catalytic performance and mechanism of the Cu/SiO₂ catalysts were further studied. It was found that the activity and stability of the catalysts could be improved by adjusting the proportion of Cu⁺/(Cu⁺ + Cu⁰). The sample prepared using urea as precipitating agent presented higher activity and selectivity. Also, the catalyst prepared using urea maintained a high catalytic performance while being continuously used for 150 h under the optimal reaction conditions.     

Synthesis of iron‐based metal organic framework and its visible light‐driven photocatalytic degradation of dye pollutants

A novel metal–organic compound [Fe (ox)(phen)]_n (phen = 1,10‐Phennannthroline, ox = oxalate acid) has been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction, X‐ray diffraction, IR, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The compound crystallized in monoclinic,space group P2₁ with a = 0.92289 (3) nm, b = 1.35719 (3) nm, c = 1.02012 (4) nm,β = 94.372 (2)°,V = 1.27402(8)nm³,Z = 2,and exhibited a 2D layer structure. The photocatalytic activities of the compound were evaluated by decomposing Rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl orange (MO) under the visible light irradiation. In addition, the mechanism of the photocatalytic properties were proposed during this process.     

Adsorption of 4‐Chloro‐2‐methylphenoxy Acetic Acid (MCPA) from Aqueous Solution onto Cu‐Fe‐NO3 Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoparticles

The nanoparticles of Cu‐Fe‐NO₃ layered double hydroxide (LDH) were prepared with Cu/Fe molar ratio of 2:1 by a thermal process and co‐precipitation method at pH 9 and were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), atomic adsorption spectroscopy (AAS) and fourier infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). The size and morphology of nanoparticles were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cu‐Fe‐NO₃‐LDH was studied as a potential adsorbent of the acid herbicide MCPA [(4‐chloro‐2‐methylphenoxy) acetic acid] as function of pH, contact time and temperature. The results showed high and rapid adsorption of MCPA on the LDH. The characterization of the adsorption products by XRD indicates that the intercalation of MCPA between the LDH layers has not occurred and surface adsorption has happened. The adsorption kinetic was tested for pseudo‐first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order, elovich and intra‐particle diffusion kinetic models and rate constants were calculated. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models were applied to experimental equilibrium data obtained from the measurements of pesticide adsorption. Langmuir isotherm slightly better fitted to the experimental data than that of Freundlich. In the adsorption experiments, the Gibbs free energy ΔG⁰ values, the enthalpy ΔH⁰, and entropy ΔS⁰ were determined.     

AgPt nanoparticles supported on magnetic graphene oxide nanosheets for catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol: Studies of kinetics and mechanism

Ag_x Pt_100−x (x  = 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100) nanoparticles were grown on the surface of magnetic graphene oxide nanosheets (Fe₃O₄@GO) for the first time. The as‐prepared nanocomposites were characterized using various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry and thermogravimetric analysis. The Fe₃O₄@GO‐Ag_x Pt_100−x catalysts were applied in the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) to 4‐aminophenol using sodium borohydride (NaBH₄). The synthesized nanocomposites exhibited excellent catalytic performance in the reduction of 4‐NP with high recyclability for five consecutive runs. The Fe₃O₄@GO‐Ag₇₅Pt₂₅ nanocomposite exhibited the best catalytic activity with a rate constant as high as 140.6 × 10⁻³ s⁻¹. The obtained kinetic data were modelled with the Langmuir–Hinshelwood equation. The energy of activation and thermodynamic parameters including enthalpy, entropy of activation and activation Gibbs free energy were calculated.