Toluene Removal from Aqueous Solutions Using Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube and Magnetic Nanoparticle–Hybrid Adsorbent

Abstract

The application of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in aqueous solutions is limited due to their release and inability for restraint. Therefore, change in the chemical and physical properties of carbon nanotubes through modification to prevent their release seems essential. This study was an attempt to cover single-wall carbon nanotubes by magnetic nanoparticles to better the adsorption capacity and strengthen the separation of single-wall carbon nanotubes from an aqueous solution. In this research, the experimental design was applied to optimize the parameters of toluene removal by single-wall carbon nanotubes-magnetic nanoparticles (SWCNT-MN).The maximum removal of toluene (99.6%) occurs in initial concentration 100 mg/L, adsorbent, retention time 20 min, dose 2 g/L, and pH 8, which can be considered as the optimal condition for toluene removal by SWCNT-MN nanoreactors. The results, obtained in both batch and continuous column modes, indicate that the removal efficiency in column mode is less than batch mode. This worksuggested that the SWCNT-MN has a great potential for toluene removal from aqueous solutions with controlled releasing.