Removal of Methyl Violet by Adsorption onto Bentonite with Copper Ferrite Nano-Particles

Adsorption of a basic dye-methyl violet (MV) on bentonite clay, CuFe2O4 and /bentonite CuFe2O4 in aqueous solutions was investigated. The composite of Cu and Fe and bentonite by co-precipitation method at pH=11 was prepared. The prepared composite can be used for dye removal, and then separated. XRD result showed spinel structure for CuFe2O4. SEM image showed the particles size is about 50 nm for CuFe2O4. Effect of experimental parameters such as pH, contact time of sorbent and dye, mass of sorbent and temperature on MV removal were investigated. Maximum dye removal at pH=12 and contact time 15 min was observed. In abscence of Cu ferrite contact time of bentonite sorbent increased to 60 min. In the presence of Cu ferrite a very high rate of dye removal was observed.