Equilibrium and Dynamic Profiles of Azo Dye Sorption onto Innovative Nano-zinc Oxide Biocomposite

In spite of zinc oxide nanoparticles proved good adsorbent for dyes, however, its agglomeration tendency in aqueous media, that corresponding to its hydrophobic nature declines its efficiency. Consequently, the prepared zinc oxide nanoparticles were encapsulated onto a polymer blend of alginate and polyvinyl alcohol to be formulated into bio-beads of zinc oxide. The produced bio-beads were characterized using SEM and XRD. The feasibility of the formulated bio-composite beads for C.I basic blue 41 (CB41) decolorization from aqueous solution was evaluated using batch technique. The experimental results at equilibrium were analyzed using different isotherm models to evaluate the equilibrium adsorption behavior of CB41 onto the prepared materials. It was indicated that, the equilibrium sorption data was fitted well by Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherms compared to Langmuir and Temkin isotherms. Kinetic profile of the dye sorption process evident from the film diffusion of dyes on to hybrid beads controls the rate of process.