Promotional effect of metal oxides (MxOy= TiO2, V2O5) on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for kerosene removal from contaminated water

Abstract To date, numerous oily contaminants have posed a significant risk of severe pollution to the environment. In this study, functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were impregnated with 2wt.% metal oxides (MxOy= TiO2, V2O5), respectively. The modified MWCNTs were successfully studied and characterized to determine the structure and chemical nature. This preparation was used to remove kerosene, which was one of the biggest petroleum pollutants, from contaminated water. We found that excellent adsorption efficiencies for kerosene removal (up to 84%) from water were obtained over TiO2/MWCNTs, among other candidates. This could be due to the functionalization of MWCNTs with strong acids, followed by modification with TiO2 nanoparticles, which increased the surface area of MWCNTs. In conclusion, MxOy/MWCNTs have attracted its future application to decontaminate environmental petroleum pollutants.