Adsorption Study of Methylene Blue on the Surface of Activated Carbon Prepared from Safflower Plant Waste

Abstract

In this research, the adsorption of methylene blue on the surface of activated carbon prepared in the laboratories of the Faculty of Science from safflower plant waste and activated with different ratios of potassium hydroxide (KOH:Carbon) (1:1-1:2-1:3-1:4) was studied. The activation process was conducted at a temperature of 700°C, where the adsorption capacity reached its maximum value when the activation ratio was (1:4) (KOH:Carbon). The isotherm adsorption curve was studied and it was found that the adsorption of methylene blue on activated carbon follows the Langmuir model. The optimal experimental conditions affecting the adsorption of methylene blue on activated carbon, such as contact time, solution pH, medium temperature, amount of carbon used, and methylene blue concentration, were studied. It was found that the adsorption is most effective in alkaline and neutral media, and the adsorption capacity increases with the rise in temperature. Moreover, it was shown that the amount of 0.05g of carbon gave the best adsorption value, and the adsorption capacity increases as the concentration of methylene blue dye increases.