Synthesis of High Surface Area MgAl2O4 Nanopowder as Adsorbent for Leather Dye Removal

MgAl2O4 nanopowder has been prepared by alkoxides hydrolysis with further calcination at temperature of 700 degrees C. The adsorption of a leather dye, Direct Black 38, onto this material was investigated. The sample was characterized by X-ray-diffraction (XRD), N-2 adsorption-desorption isotherm and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that sample present a pure phase, and the average nanocrystal size of 8 nm, the BET surface area is about 206.5 m(2) . g(-1) and total pore volume is about 1.44 cm(3) . g(-1). Adsorption kinetics data were modeled by film and pore diffusion model. The experimental isotherm was described by the Langmuir model. MgAl2O4 nanopowder presented a great removal efficiency of leather dye by adsorption process, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 833 mg of dye per gram of adsorbent.