Abstract
In this research, different zero-valent metal nanoparticles were synthesized, zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs), copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) via reduction route using sodium borohydride, and used for the removal of Acid Red dye (AR dye); as an example or organic dyes, from aqueous solution. The prepared NPs were characterized, and the results confirmed the presence of the nanoparticles, and their chemical composition was identified. The effect of different experimental conditions was explored, and the results showed that most of the AR dye could be removed from solution within few minutes, at ambient temperature using most 80 mg ZnNPs, 30 mg of CuNPs. The removal of the AR dye using ZnNPs, and CuNPs, was studied kinetically and thermodynamically, and the results showed that the experimental data were best fitted using the pseudo-second-order kinetic model with excellent correlation coefficients. The thermodynamic study of the removal process showed the spontaneity of the process. The mechanism of the removal process was studied, and the results showed that the removal process occurred via reductive catalytic degradation of the AR dye molecules by the NPs. Finally, the prepared ZnNPs and CuNPs were used for the removal of AR dye in real wastewater sample, and the results showed the high removal efficiency.