Nonlinear Kinetics and Isotherm Modeling of Rhodamine B Adsorption onto Al ₂ O ₃ Decorated Laponite

The present study investigates the adsorption of Rhodamine B (RhB), a persistent cationic dye, onto Al2O3-decorated Laponite synthesized via a two-step modification process. In this method, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was utilized to modify the Laponite surface, effectively preventing the gelation tendency of pristine Laponite and enhancing surface functionality. The characterization analyses yielded a BET surface area of 237.1 m2/g for the modified sample, in comparison to 319.0 m2/g for the unmodified Laponite. This was accompanied by an increase in mesopore volume (0.218 cm3/g vs 0.165 cm3/g). Experiments designed to optimize adsorption processes were conducted utilizing a Central Composite Design (CCD). The experimental outcomes demonstrated that under conditions deemed optimal (C0 approximate to 50 mg/L, dosage approximate to 30 mg, contact time approximate to 100 min), the maximum attainable removal efficiency for Rhodamine B (RhB) exceeded 92%. Kinetic analysis indicated that the Elovich model provided the most suitable fit (R2 = 0.994), thus confirming the heterogeneous and chemisorptive nature of the process. Among the isotherm models that were examined, the Toth model demonstrated the most optimal fit (qmax = 169.7 mg/g; R2 = 0.993), with the Sips and Redlich-Peterson models following closely behind, surpassing the performance of the Langmuir model (qmax = 156.9 mg/g; R2 = 0.991). Thermodynamic analysis revealed an endothermic adsorption process (Delta H = +11.16 kJ/mol), a positive entropy change (Delta S = +24.1 J/mol & centerdot;K), and a range of Delta G values between +3.5 and +4.0 kJ/mol, suggesting a spontaneous tendency at higher temperatures. The findings of this study demonstrate that CTAB/Al2O3-modified Laponite is a highly effective adsorbent for the removal of RhB from wastewater.