Abstract
Facile synthesis and characterization of multi walled carbon nanotubes (MCNTs) were obtained. The particle size and surface area were 10–40 nm and 9.1 m2/g. 4‑Tert‑octylphenol endocrine disruptor was removed in water using CNTs with 70 min contact time, 300.0 μg/L concentration, 10.0 pH, 2.5 g/L dose and 25 °C. The percentage removal of 4‑tert‑octylphenol was 94%. The isotherms data fitted well to various isotherms (Freundlich, Langmuir, Tempkin, Dubinin-Radushkevich). The values of free energies for 4‑tert‑octylphenol were −12.09, −12.85, −13.98 and −14.56 kJ/mol at 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C. The enthalpy and entropy values were −1.76 and 45.14 × 10−3 kJ/mol. The negative values of ΔG° indicated fast removal by CNTs. The removal was exothermic with pseudo-first order controlled kinetics. The removal of 4‑tert‑octylphenol was controlled by a mechanism of liquid film diffusion. The presented method is fast, inexpensive, effective and reproducible. Therefore, the developed method is suitable for the removal of 4‑tert‑octylphenol in water.
•Economic synthesis of MWCNTs through CVD method.•MWCNTs have 40–45% larger yield and 2 times larger surface area.•Economic 4‑tert‑octylphenol endocrine disruptor in water removal in water.•Method is capable to work at natural water conditions, economic, efficient and fast.