Adsorption of an anionic azo dye by chitosan/kaolin/γ-Fe2O3 composites

Abstract Chitosan/kaolin/nanosized γ-Fe2O3 composites were prepared by a microemulsion process and characterized by TEM, SEM and WAXRD. Many pores and pleats were visible on the surface of the composites and provided a good condition for dye adsorption. Methyl orange (MO) was selected as a model anionic azo dye to examine the adsorption behavior of the composites. Amounts of 71.0% of MO were adsorbed within 180 min from 20 mg L− 1 MO solution at pH = 6.0 by 1.0 g L− 1 adsorbent dosage. Therefore, the composites can be used as a low-cost alternative for anionic dyes removal from industrial wastewater.