Optimization of growth temperature of multi-walled carbon nanotubes synthesized by spray pyrolysis method and application for arsenic removal

• Main Authors: S. Mageswari, P. S. Syed Shabudeen, S. Karthikeyan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Applied Science Innovations Private Limited 2014-12-01
• Series: Carbon: Science and Technology
• Subjects: carbon nanotubes; spray pyrolysis; carbon nanomaterials; water purification; arsenic removal
• Online Access: http://www.applied-science-innovations.com/cst-web-site/CST-6-4-2014/CST%20-%20107%20-%20FINAL.pdf

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes have been synthesized at different temperatures ranging from 550 °C to 750 °C on silica supported Fe-Co catalyst by spray pyrolysis method using Citrus limonum oil under nitrogen atmosphere. The as-grown MWNTs were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Raman spectral studies. The HRTEM and Raman spectroscopic studies confirmed the evolution of MWNTs with the outer diameter between 25 and 38 nm. The possibility of use of as-grown MWNTs as an adsorbent for removal of As (V) ions from drinking water was studied. Adsorption isotherm data were interpreted by the Langmuir and Freundlich equations. Kinetic data were studied using Elovich, pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order equations in order to elucidate the reaction mechanism.