Synthesis of graphene oxide decorated with strontium oxide (SrO/GO) as an efficient nanocomposite for removal of hazardous ammonia from wastewater

ABSTRACT

In this research, graphene oxide decorated with strontium oxide (SrO/GO) is introduced as a new adsorbent material for the efficient removal of ammonia from industrial wastewater. The new adsorbent was thoroughly studied in terms of morphology, crystallography and chemical composition using characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and zeta potential analysis. Several parameters such as pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and ammonia initial concentration were investigated and optimized. Ammonia adsorption onto SrO/GO was validated with kinetics and adsorption isotherms by adopting different models. The results revealed that ammonia adsorption kinetic was of pseudo-second order (R² = 0.999) implying that chemisorption behavior and the equilibrium isotherm follows Langmuir model. This behavior shows a high maximum monolayer sorption capacity of 90.1 mg g^?1 at pH equal to 7 and contact time of 120 min pointing out the synergism advantageous effect. The abundant oxygen functional groups on the graphene oxide surface and the integrated Sr-O nanoparticles could efficiently interact with ammonia species creating a surface for more favorable and efficient removal of ammonia.     

Nano-TiO2 modified with 2-mercaptobenzimidazole as an efficient adsorbent for removal of Ag(I) from aqueous solutions

Nano-TiO₂ was modified with 2-mercaptobenzimidazole via surfactant activation and used as an adsorbent for the removal of Ag(I) under optimum conditions. The adsorbent was characterized using powder X-ray diffraction and FT-IR spectroscopy. The equilibrium data were fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models. Langmuir isotherm describes the adsorption data better than Freundlich isotherm and Temkin. Kinetic studies showed that the pseudo second order kinetic model fits the adsorption kinetic processes well. Maximum adsorption capacity for Ag(I) was 128.2 mg g⁻¹ of nano-TiO₂. The method was successfully applied to the removal of silver from radiology film processing wastewater samples.     

Adsorption of Cu2+ Cations from Aqueous Solution by S-doped TiO2

S-doped TiO₂ as a novel adsorbent for Cu²⁺ cations removal from aqueous solutions was synthesized by simple sol-gel process. Removal of Cu²⁺ cations from aqueous solutions was investigated with particular reference to the effects of initial Cu²⁺ cations concentration, pH-value, adsorbent dosage, and temperature on adsorption. It was found that the maximum adsorption capacity was 96.35 mg g^?1 at 328 K. The adsorption equilibrium isotherms and the kinetic data were well described by the Langmuir and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, respectively. The high uptake capability of S-doped TiO₂ makes it a potentially attractive adsorbent for the removal of heavy metal pollutants from aqueous solution.     

Adsorption behavior of fluoride ions using a titanium hydroxide-derived adsorbent

The removal behavior of fluoride ions was examined in aqueous sodium fluoride solutions using a titanium hydroxide-derived adsorbent. The adsorbent was prepared from titanium oxysulfate (TiOSO₄·xH₂O) solution, and was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectrum and specific surface area. Batchwise adsorption test of prepared adsorbent was carried out in aqueous sodium fluoride solutions and real wastewater containing fluoride ion. The absorbent was the amorphous material, which had different morphology to the raw material, titanium oxysulfate, and the specific surface area of the adsorbent (96.8 m²/g) was 200 times higher than that of raw material (0.5 m²/g). Adsorption of fluoride on the adsorbent was saturated within 30 min in the solution with 200 mg/L of fluoride ions, together with increasing pH of the solution, due to ion exchange between fluoride ions in the solution and hydroxide ions in the adsorbent. Fluoride ions were adsorbed even in at a low fluoride concentration of 5 mg/L; and were selectively adsorbed in the solution containing a high concentration of chloride, nitrate and sulfate ions. The adsorbent can remove fluoride below permitted level (< 0.8 mg/L) from real wastewaters containing various substances. The maximum adsorption of fluoride on the adsorbent could be obtained in the solution at about pH 3. After fluoride adsorption, fluoride ions were easily desorbed using a high pH solution, completely regenerating for further removal process at acidic pH. The capacity for fluoride ion adsorption was almost unchanged three times after repeat adsorption and desorption. The equilibrium adsorption capacity of the adsorbent used for fluoride ion at pH 3 was measured, extrapolated using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, and experimental data are found to fit Freundlich than Langmuir. The prepared adsorbent is expected to be a new inorganic ion exchanger for the removal and recovery of fluoride ions from wastewater.     

Adsorption Characteristics of Chromium(VI) Ions onto Fe(III)-Coordinated Amino-Functionalized Poly(glycidylmethacrylate)-Grafted TiO2-Densified Cellulose

An investigation was conducted with a newly developed adsorbent, iron(III)- coordinated amino-functionalized poly(glycidylmethacrylate)-grafted TiO₂-densified cellulose (Fe(III)-AM-PGDC) on the removal of chromium(VI) from aqueous solution. Batch experiments were performed under various conditions of time, pH, concentration, dose, ionic strength, and temperature. Adsorption of Cr(VI) on Fe(III)-AM-PGDC was dominated by ion exchange or outer-sphere complexation. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 109.76 mg g^?1. Thermodynamic study showed that adsorption of Cr(VI) onto Fe(III)-AM-PGDC is more favored. The complete removal of Cr(VI) from electroplating wastewater was achieved by the adsorbent. The adsorbent did not lose its adsorption capacity even after the fourth regeneration.     

Effect of Cationic Surfactant on the Adsorption of Arsenites onto Akaganeite Nanocrystals

Abstract

The current research focuses on removal of arsenite ions from aqueous solutions by a new adsorbent, surfactant modified akaganeite (Ak_m), prepared after the adsorption of the cationic surfactant, hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (N‐Cetyl‐N,N,N‐Trimethylammonium Bromide) onto akaganeite. The new adsorbent was investigated with Fourier transform infrared spectra and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy methods for a better understanding of the effects of surface properties on arsenite adsorption. Surfactant modified akaganeite was found to be an effective adsorbent for the removal of arsenite ions from aqueous systems. It presented a significantly higher arsenite adsorption capacity than the pure nanocrystalline akaganeite. Kinetics of adsorption obeys a second‐order rate equation. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to 328.3 mg g^?1 over a wide pH range significantly higher than those of other adsorbents reported.     

Modification and magnetization of MOF (HKUST-1) for the removal of Sr2+ from aqueous solutions. Equilibrium,kinetic and thermodynamic modeling studies

In this research, metal-organic framework MOF(HKUST-1) was synthesized, magnetized and modified by hexacyanoferrate in order to prepare an efficient adsorbent for the removal of Sr²⁺ from aqueous solutions. The synthesized adsorbent was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermal methods (TG-DTG[Themogravimetry- Derivative Theromogravimetry]), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The non-magnetized (MOF/KNiFC[potassium nickel hexacyanoferrate]) and magnetized (MOF/Fe₃O₄/KNiFC) adsorbents were then employed for the removal of Sr²⁺ from aqueous solutions. The adsorption capacity of 110 and 90 mg.g^?1 was obtained, respectively, for MOF/KNiFC and MOF/Fe₃O₄/KNiFC. The adsorption process was kinetically fast and the equilibration was established within 45 min. The magnetic capability of the adsorbent examined by the vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) technique indicated that the used adsorbent was capable of separating from the solution by applying an external magnetic field. The adsorbent showed good selectivity toward Sr²⁺ in the presence of Cs⁺, Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺ and Ba²⁺. The regenerated adsorbent retained more than 90% of its initial capacity. Different isotherm models including Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin, Sips and Redlich–Peterson were employed to examine the applicability of the isotherms to the experimental data. It was concluded that the data was best fitted to the Langmuir isotherm model. The thermodynamic parameters showed that the process was endothermic.     

CrO4 2− Ions Adsorption by Fe-Modified Pozzolane

Abstract

A Fe-modified pozzolane was prepared and employed for the removal of CrO₄ ^2? ions from aqueous solution under batch type experiments as a function of contact time, initial concentration of metal ion and temperature. The adsorption isotherms are described by means of Freundlich, Langmuir, and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) models. The pozzolane was characterized by XRD diffraction analysis. The results showed that the maximum adsorption capacity of Fe-modified pozzolane for CrO₄ ^2? ions was (3.23 ± 0.01)×10^?3 mmol g^?1. The adsorption was found to be initial concentration and temperature dependent. The thermodynamic parameters values such as ΔH⁰, ΔG⁰, and ΔS⁰ were obtained to predict the nature of adsorption. These values show that the adsorption reaction is endothermic and spontaneous. The results show that the Fe-modified pozzolane, that is an easily available material, can be successfully used as adsorbent of anionic species, such as CrO₄ ^2? ions in aqueous solutions, and can be an alternative for more costly adsorbents used for chromates removal in wastewater treatment processes.     

Preparation and Application of a Novel Functionalized Coconut Coir Pith as a Recyclable Adsorbent for Phosphate Removal

Abstract

This study was to develop a new adsorbent, Iron(III) complex of an amino-functionalized polyacrylamide-grafted coconut coir pith (CP), a lignocellulosic residue, for the removal of phosphate from water and wastewater. The kinetics of adsorption follows a pseudo-second-order model. The equilibrium sorption capacity of 96.31 mg/g was determined at 30°C from the Langmuir isotherm equation. Complete removal of 16.4 mg/L phosphate in 1 L of fertilizer industry wastewater was achieved by 1.5 g/L AM-Fe-PGCP at pH 6.0. The acid treatment (0.1 M HCl) and re-introduction of Fe³⁺ lead to a reactivation of the spent adsorbent and can be reused through many cycles of water treatment and regeneration without any loss in the adsorption capacity.     

Ability of iron(III)‐loaded carboxylated polyacrylamide‐grafted sawdust to remove phosphate ions from aqueous solution and fertilizer industry wastewater: Adsorption kinetics and isotherm studies

Iron(III)‐loaded carboxylated polyacrylamide‐grafted sawdust was investigated as an adsorbent for the removal of phosphate from water and wastewater. The carboxylated polyacrylamide‐grafted sawdust was prepared by graft copolymerization of acrylamide and N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide onto sawdust in the presence of an initiator, potassium peroxydisulfate. Iron(III) was strongly attached to the carboxylic acid moiety of the adsorbent. The adsorbent material exhibits a very high adsorption potential for phosphate ions. The coordinated unsaturated sites of the iron(III) complex of polymerized sawdust were considered to be the adsorption sites for phosphate ions, the predominating species being H₂PO ions. Maximum removal of 97.6 and 90.3% with 2 g L^?1 of the adsorbent was observed at pH 2.5 for an initial phosphate concentration of 100 and 250 μmol L^?1, respectively. The adsorption process follows second‐order kinetics. Adsorption rate constants as a function of concentration and temperature and kinetic parameters, such as ΔG^±, ΔH^±, and ΔS^±, were calculated to predict the nature of adsorption. The L‐type adsorption isotherm obtained in the sorbent indicated a favorable process and fitted the Langmuir equation model well. The adsorption capacity calculated by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm gave 3.03 × 10^?4 mol g^?1 of phosphate removal at 30°C and pH 2.5. The isosteric heat of adsorption was also determined at various surface loadings of the adsorbent. The adsorption efficiency toward phosphate removal was tested using industrial wastewater. Different reagents were tested for extracting phosphate ions from the spent adsorbent. About 98.2% of phosphate can be recovered from the adsorbent using 0.1M NaOH. Alkali regeneration was tried for several cycles with a view to recover the adsorbed phosphate and also to restore the adsorbent to its original state. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 84: 2541–2553, 2002     

ADSORPTION,KINETICS, AND EQUILIBRIUM STUDIES ON REMOVAL OF 4,4-DDT FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS USING LOW-COST ADSORBENTS

The removal of a chlorinated pesticide (4,4-DDT) from aqueous solutions by a batch adsorption technique using different low-cost adsorbents was investigated. Two adsorbents, wood sawdust (A) and cork wastes (B), were used to determine adsorption efficiency. The influence of the adsorbent particle size and the organic matter of water (humic acids) on the removal process was studied. The obtained results were compared to those obtained with a commercial powdered activated carbon (PAC, F400, Chemviron) (C). Kinetic studies were performed to understand the mechanistic steps of the adsorption process. The rate of the adsorption kinetics of 4,4-DDT on the low-cost adsorbents was found best fitted with a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. This is in contrast to the rate of the adsorption kinetics of the PAC F400, which was best fitted with the Lagergren model. The application of the Morris-Weber equation showed that the adsorption process of 4,4-DDT on these adsorbents was complex. Both the adsorption on the surface and the intraparticle diffusion were the rate-controlling mechanisms. Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms were applicable to the adsorption process and their constants were evaluated. The adsorption capacity (q_m) calculated from the Langmuir isotherm (69.44 mg·g^?1, 19.08 mg·g^?1, and 163.90 mg·g^?1, respectively, for A, B, and C) showed that the process is highly particle size dependent, that the organic matter influenced the adsorption process negatively, and that wood sawdust is the most effective adsorbent for the removal of 4,4-DDT from aqueous solutions. The adsorbents studied exhibited a possible application in water decontamination, as well as in treatment of industrial and agricultural waste waters.     

Polyamine Functionalized Magnetite Nanoparticles as Novel Adsorbents for Cu(II) Removal from Aqueous Solutions

Three novel magnetic adsorbents were synthesized through the immobilization of di-, tri-, and tetraamine onto the surface of silica coated magnetite nanoparticles. The adsorbents were characterized by XRD patterns, FTIR spectroscopy, elemental and thermogravimetric analysis, magnetic measurements, SEM/TEM, EDX spectroscopy, and N₂ adsorption/desorption isotherms. Their capacity to remove copper ions from aqueous solutions was investigated and discussed comparatively. The equilibrium data were analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The kinetics was evaluated using the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intra-particle diffusion models. The best interpretation for the equilibrium data was given by the Langmuir isotherm for the tri- and tetraamine functionalized adsorbents, while for the diamine functionalized adsorbent the Freundlich model seemed to be better. The kinetic data were well fitted to the pseudo-second-order model. The overall rate of adsorption was significantly influenced by external mass transfer and intraparticle diffusion. It was observed that the adsorption capacity at room temperature decreased as the length of polyamine chain immobilized on the adsorbent surface increased, the maximum adsorption capacities being 52.3 mg g^?1 for 1,3-diaminopropan functionalized adsorbent, 44.2 mg g^?1 for diethylenetriamine functionalized adsorbent, and 39.2 mg g^?1 for triethylenetetramine functionalized adsorbent. The sorption process proved to be highly dependent of pH. The results of the present work recommend these materials as potential candidates for copper removal from aqueous solutions.     

Removal of Phenolic Pollutants from Water Utilizing Mangifera indica (Mango) Seed Waste and Cement Fixation

Abstract

A process for the removal of two chlorophenols (2-chlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol) from water using surface modified mango seed waste by adsorption process followed by cement fixation of the phenols-laden adsorbent is investigated. The two main objectives of this study were to develop efficient adsorbent utilizing mango seed waste by physiochemical activation and to an environmentally-friendly disposal of phenols-laden adsorbent into cement by a fixation process. The results of the present study reveal that the modified mango seed adsorbent showed an efficient adsorption potential for chlorophenols removal from water. The maximum adsorption potential of modified mango seed adsorbent for 2-chlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol was 40.6 and 72.3 mg g^?1, respectively at 25°C. Adsorption kinetic data of chlorophenols adsorption on mango seed adsorbent could be described more favorably by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. After the adsorption studies, the phenol-laden adsorbent was immobilized in cement for its ultimate disposal. Leachates from the fixed phenols-laden adsorbent exhibit phenols concentrations lower than the drinking water standards. Results from this study suggest the potential utility of agricultural wastes as one of the most promising activated carbon precursors for phenols removal from water and wastewater and the safe disposal of phenol-laden adsorbent into cement by fixation process.     

Fast removal of ammonium nitrogen from aqueous solution using chitosan-g-poly(acrylic acid)/attapulgite composite

In this work, a novel composite adsorbent with three-dimensional cross-linked polymeric networks based on chitosan (CTS) and attapulgite (APT) was prepared via in situ copolymerization in aqueous solution, and its efficacy for removing ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N) from synthetic wastewater was investigated using batch adsorption experiments. In the adsorption test, the pH effect, adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and desorbability were examined. A comparison between as-prepared adsorbent and clay, powdered activated carbon (PAC), and other reported adsorbents was also carried out. The results indicate that as-prepared composite adsorbent is pH-dependent and has faster adsorption kinetics and higher adsorption capacity. At natural pH, the composite adsorbent with 20 wt.% APT can adsorb 21.0 mg NH₄⁺-N per gram, far higher than the other adsorbents involved. The adsorbed NH₄⁺-N can be completely desorbed by 0.1 mol/L NaOH within 10 min. All information obtained give an indication that the composite can be used as a novel type, fast-responsive and high-capacity sorbent material for NH₄⁺-N removal.     

Adsorption of REEs from Aqueous Solution by EDTA-Chitosan Modified with Zeolite Imidazole Framework (ZIF-8)

Chitosan (CS) modified with ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) was further modified with the zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF-8) by in situ growth method and was employed as adsorbent for the removal of rare-earth elements (REEs). The material (EDTA–CS@ZIF-8) and ZIF-8 and CS were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and nitrogen adsorption/desorption experiments (N₂- Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET)). The effects of adsorbent dosage, temperature, the pH of the aqueous solution, contact time on the adsorption of REEs (La(III), Eu(III), and Yb(III)) by EDTA–CS@ZIF-8 were studied. Typical adsorption isotherms (Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D-R)) were determined for the adsorption process, and the maximal adsorption capacity was estimated as 256.4 mg g⁻¹ for La(III), 270.3 mg g⁻¹ for Eu(III), and 294.1 mg g⁻¹ for Yb(III). The adsorption kinetics results were consistent with the pseudo-second-order equation, indicating that the adsorption process was mainly chemical adsorption. The influence of competing ions on REE adsorption was also investigated. After multiple cycles of adsorption/desorption behavior, EDTA–CS@ZIF-8 still maintained high adsorption capacity for REEs. As a result, EDTA–CS@ZIF-8 possessed good adsorption properties such as stability and reusability, which have potential application in wastewater treatment.     

Batch Removal of Crystal Violet from Aqueous Solution by H2SO4 Modified Sugarcane Bagasse: Equilibrium,Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Profile

Batch adsorption studies were carried out using H₂SO₄ modified sugarcane bagasse (HMSB) for the removal of hazardous Crystal Violet (CV) dye from aqueous solutions. The effects of initial solution pH, adsorbent dose, and temperature on the adsorption process were investigated. The Langmuir isotherm model well described the equilibrium dye uptake while the pseudo-second-order kinetic model showed good agreement with the experimental kinetic data. Gibb's free energy change (ΔG⁰) was spontaneous for all interactions, and the adsorption process exhibited endothermic enthalpy values. Results suggest that HMSB is an effective adsorbent for the removal of CV from wastewater.     

The adsorption of malachite green (MG) as a cationic dye onto functionalized multi walled carbon nanotubes

Synthetic dyes are widely used by several industries to color their products. The discharge of colored wastewater into the hydrosphere causes serious environmental problems. We used functionalized multi wall carbon nanotubes as an adsorbent for the adsorption of cationic dye, malachite green, from aqueous solution. Based on information provided by the Iranian Research Institute of Petroleum Industry, carbon nanotubes are produced using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique. These as-received MWCNTs were functionalized by acid treatment. The remaining dye concentration was read by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy at maximum adsorption wavelength. The effect of different operational parameters such as contact time, pH of solution, adsorbent dose and initial dye concentration were studied. The results showed that by increasing of contact time, pH and adsorbent dose the removal of dye increased, but by increasing initial dye concentration, the removal efficiency decreased. Adsorption isotherms and kinetics behavior of f-MWCNTs for removal of malachite green was analyzed, and fitted to various existing models. The experimental data were well correlated with the Langmuir isotherm with a maximum adsorption capacity (q _m ) and regression coefficient (R²) of 142.85 mg/g and 0.997, respectively. The results of this study indicate that functionalized multi wall carbon nanotubes can be used as an effective adsorbent for the removal of dyes.     

Optimizing ammonium adsorption on natural zeolite for wastewaters with high loads of ammonium and solids

Ion exchange (IE) has been so far limited to treating waters and wastewaters low in solids (TS) and ammonium (NH₄ ⁺). This study provides a new insight into the application of IE for NH₄ ⁺ removal from wastewaters with high NH₄ ⁺ and TS, using natural zeolite as adsorbent medium. Assays were carried out in continuously stirred batch reactors to study the effect of initial NH₄ ⁺, pH, TS, contact time, and zeolite pore size (0.2–0.5 and 0.6–2.0 mm). Results confirmed the suitability of this zeolite to remove NH₄ ⁺ from wastewater with high amounts of solids (up to 2%TS) and NH₄ ⁺ (up to 2500 mgNH₄ ⁺-N/L). Ammonium adsorption capacity (q _t ) was faster with 0.2–0.5 mm size because of the greater specific surface area and shorter diffusion path than 0.6–2.0 mm zeolite. Both zeolites showed increasing q _t with increasing initial NH₄ ⁺ due to the higher driving force produced by higher concentrations. The process followed a pseudo-second order kinetic and was best described by the Freundlich isotherm. Varying the pH (6–8.5) of the wastewater had no effect on NH₄ ⁺ removal capacity. In conclusion, this natural zeolite showed high affinity for NH₄ ⁺ in wastewater with high loads of NH₄ ⁺ and solids, returning a viable treatment method when other techniques are not applicable.     

A biopolymer-based composite hydrogel for rhodamine 6G dye removal: its synthesis,adsorption isotherms and kinetics

The present study reports the preparation and application of a novel biopolymer-based composite hydrogel (BCH) for removal of synthetic dye rhodamine 6G (Rh6G). BCH was prepared from biopolymer chitosan and acrylic acid monomer, in the presence of initiator (K₂S₂O₈) and cross-linker thiourea using microwave irradiation. Synthesized chitosan-based composite hydrogel was characterized by using analytical techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), derivative thermogravimetric analysis (DTA) and differential thermal analysis (DTG). The stability of the adsorbent was demonstrated from its water uptake capacity. The dynamics of water sorption study showed the Fickian behavior. The investigations were continued to assess the adsorption potential of BCH for removal of Rh6G from aqueous solution. The effect of process parameters affecting the adsorption of rhodamine 6G (Rh6G), such as adsorbent dose, initial concentration of pollutant, contact time and pH of the solution was evaluated. Removal efficiency of chitosan-based composite hydrogel (BCH) was found to be 87.31% at pH 7 for BCH dose of 1 g/L after 8 h. The obtained data were fitted to adsorption isotherms and kinetics models. The adsorption equilibrium isotherm and kinetics studies indicated that the pseudo-second-order model and the Freundlich model well described the adsorption equilibrium of Rh6G on BCH.     

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

Abstract

MgAl₂O₄ nanopowder has been prepared by alkoxides hydrolysis with further calcination at temperature of 700°C. The adsorption of a leather dye, Direct Black 38, onto this material was investigated. The sample was characterized by X-ray-diffraction (XRD), N₂ 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 m² · g^?1 and total pore volume is about 1.44 cm³ · 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.