Application of Copper Vanadate Nanoparticles for Removal of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solution: Kinetics, Equilibrium and Thermodynamic Studies

Copper vanadate nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple coprecipitation method in an aqueous medium and the product were used as adsorbents for eliminating methylene blue (MB) from water. The structure and morphology of the produced nanoparticles were evaluated through X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) analysis. The results indicated that the particles were 22-40 nm in diameter. Further, batch adsorption experiments were performed to evaluate the potential capability of the product for the removal of MB and optimizing the adsorption conditions. The effects of pH, quantity of the adsorbent, contact time, dye concentration, and temperature on adsorption were determined. Fitting of the experimental data into the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models, revealed a good compliance with the Langmuir model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 151.5 mg/g at pH= 4.0. Evaluation of the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption process follows a pseudo-second order kinetic model and reaches equilibrium after 10 min. Desorption of the dye and recycling potential of the adsorbent was also studied.