Graphite Oxide: Preparation and Removal Ability of Cationic Dyes

This study reports the preparation of Graphite oxide (GO) and GO as an adsorbent for removal of cationic dyes. GO was synthesized by the oxidation of graphite through the mocked Hummers approach. The structure of GO was characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, FTIR and N-2 adsorption. The results show that CO is a uneven wrinkled flake with certain layer structure and a large quantities of oxygen-containing fuctional groups exists in the form of epoxy, hydroxyl, and carboxyl groups on the surface of CO. In addition, GO has a good capability towards cationic dyes adsorption. The Langmuirian maximum adsorption capacities of CO are 741 mg. g(-1) for methyl violet, 446 mg . g(-1) for methyl green and 368 mg . g(-1) for neutral red. The adsorption processes follow the pseudosecond-order kinetics model. CO could be used potentially as an effective adsorbent for removal of cationic dyes from aqueous solution possibly due to its electrostatic attraction and large specific surface area.