Synthesis of CuO-ZnO/banana stalk-derived activated carbon composite for efficient adsorptive removal of Cresol Red from aqueous solutions

Akeem Adebayo Jimoh; Wahaab Oluwatobi Waheed

doi:10.61298/pnspsc.2026.3.345

Authors

Akeem Adebayo Jimoh
[email protected]

Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, PMB 1530, Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria
Wahaab Oluwatobi Waheed
Department of Science Laboratory Technology (SLT), Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Ayede, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria, PMB 4000

Keywords:

CuO–ZnO nanocomposite, Activated carbon, Cresol red dye, Adsorption, Wastewater treatment

Abstract

The increasing discharge of toxic and non-biodegradable dyes from textile wastewater poses a significant environmental challenge, necessitating the development of efficient and sustainable treatment technologies. This study investigates the adsorption performance of a CuO--ZnO nanocomposite supported on banana stalk-derived activated carbon (BSAC) for the removal of Cresol Red (CR) dye from aqueous solution. The composite was synthesized via co-precipitation and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), confirming the formation of a porous, thermally stable, and structurally integrated material. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of pH (2--10), contact time (5--180 min), adsorbent dosage (0.01--0.10 g), and initial dye concentration. Maximum adsorption was achieved at an equilibrium concentration of 100 mg L^-1, pH 6, 0.01 g dosage, and 30 min contact time, with an adsorption capacity of 178.8 mg g^-1. Kinetic analysis revealed that the adsorption followed the pseudo-second-order model (R²=0.9932), indicating chemisorption as the dominant mechanism. Equilibrium data were best described by the Temkin isotherm, while the Freundlich model further suggested multilayer adsorption on a heterogeneous surface. The results demonstrate that the CuO--ZnO/BSAC composite is a low-cost, sustainable, and efficient adsorbent with strong potential for application in dye-contaminated wastewater treatment.

Dimensions

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