Synthesis of magnetic activated carbon treated with sodium dodecyl sulphate

Abstract

Magnetic activated carbon (MAC) is found to be effective for the adsorption of methylene blue due to its physico-chemical properties such as strong adsorption of magnetization. The use of activated carbon (AC) for methylene blue adsorption was ineffective compared to MAC. MAC was prepared by incorporating different types of iron powder and chemicals [sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), citric acid (CA), dimethicone (D350), and epichlorohydrin (C3H5ClO)] to strengthen the magnetism and stabilize the MAC. The methylene blue test and iodine test were tested on different samples. Characterization test on physical and chemical properties was carried out using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The yield of MAC was higher because of the addition of magnetic particles. The incorporation of magnetic particles had been proven by the SEM and XRD analysis that showed the presence of iron compound. The performance study of the adsorbent sample showed that MAC_A3II presented better qualities with highest removal percentage (98.81 % of removal) in methylene blue adsorption and low magnetic contact time that showed strong magnetism. MAC_A3II was prepared by incorporating iron powder and treated by using sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). Among all the adsorbent sample, MAC_B2III performed the weakest quality because the dye removal percentage was low, and the preparation process was complicated compared with others.