Synthesis and characterization of Fe3O4/kaolin magnetic nanocomposite and its application in wastewater treatment

Abstract Fe 3 O 4 /kaolin magnetic nanocomposites were prepared by chemical co-precipitation method. The nanocomposites were characterized using various instrumental techniques. The prepared nanocomposites were tested and evaluated as an adsorbent in the removal of the anionic C.I. Direct Red 23 dye. The effects of contact time, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dose, temperature and initial pH of the solution on the adsorption process were studied. The removal efficiency reached 100%. The results showed that linearized Langmuir isotherm is applicable with a maximum adsorbent capacity of 22.88 mg g −1 . Adsorption process is spontaneous, endothermic, and follows the pseudo-second order model within the range of temperatures studied.