Chemically Modified Allium cepa Peel as a Low-Cost Adsorbent for Methylene Blue Removal: Kinetics, Isotherms, and Thermodynamic Analysis

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@article{1712430,
      author = {Isaac, Ibidun Blessing, Oyewole, Toyib Seun, Osundiya, Medinat Olubunmi; Olowu Rasaq Adewale, Adetunji, Bamidele Shadiat; Yekini, Aishat Olamitudun, Abdulganiyu, Abdulrasaq Olakuleyin; Idowu, Owoyemi Fatai},
      title = {Chemically Modified Allium cepa Peel as a Low-Cost Adsorbent for Methylene Blue Removal: Kinetics, Isotherms, and Thermodynamic Analysis},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2025},
      volume = {9},
      number = {5},
      pages = {2677-2691},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1712430.pdf},
      abstract = {Synthetic dyes such as methylene blue (MB) are persistent water pollutants due to their structural stability, toxicity, and resistance to biodegradation. This study evaluates the adsorption efficiency of KMnO?/H?SO?-modified Allium cepa peels for MB removal from aqueous solutions. The adsorbent was characterized using SEM, FTIR, and XRD to confirm morphological modification, functional-group participation, and its predominantly amorphous structure. Batch experiments revealed that adsorption was highly pH-dependent, with optimal removal (91.3%) at pH 3, and equilibrium was attained at 100 min. The Temkin isotherm provided the best fit to the equilibrium data (R? = 0.99), indicating heterogeneous adsorption with an adsorption energy constant BT of 0.22 J mol??. Kinetic analysis showed strong conformity to the pseudo-second-order model (R? ? 0.99), with an adsorption capacity (Qe) closely matching experimental values, confirming chemisorption as the rate-determining step. Thermodynamic evaluation yielded negative ?G? values (-4.42 to ?26.59 kJ mol??), demonstrating spontaneous adsorption, while the negative enthalpy change (?H? = ?44.53 kJ mol??) confirmed exothermic interactions. Overall, the chemically modified onion peel exhibited strong potential as a low-cost, sustainable biosorbent for dye-laden wastewater treatment and offers a promising alternative to commercial activated carbon.},
      keywords = {Allium cepa peel, Adsorption, Methylene blue, Biosorption, Kinetics, Isotherms, Thermodynamics.},
      month = {November},
  }