Adsorption of methyl orange (MO) by Zr (IV)-immobilized cross-linked chitosan/bentonite composite.

A Zr (IV)-immobilized cross-linked chitosan/bentonite composite was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques. This composite was utilized for the removal of methyl orange (MO) from aqueous solutions. Effects of the loading amount of Zr (IV), initial pH value of MO solutions, adsorbent dosage, and contact time on MO adsorption were considered. The adsorption isotherm data were well described by the Langmuir model, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 438.6mg/g at 303K and natural pH. The kinetic data were well described by the pseudo-second-order model. The thermodynamic data showed that the adsorption process of MO was feasible, spontaneous, and exothermic in nature.