Synthesis and study of carbon nanomaterials through arc discharge technique for efficient adsorption of organic dyes

In this study, we employed the conventional arc discharge technique to synthesise carbon nanomaterials, with a primary focus on optimizing process parameters, specifically gas pressure and arcing voltage. These parameters are explored to enhance both the yield and quality of carbon nanotubes and carbon soot. Three distinct pressure levels (200, 400, and 600 Torr) and voltage settings (30, 35, and 40 V) were systematically investigated. The as-prepared materials underwent comprehensive characterization using a suite of analytical tools, including XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, Raman spectroscopy, and BET analysis. Our research also delved into the practical utility of these carbon nanomaterials by evaluating their dye adsorption capabilities. Specifically, we assessed the efficiency of removing Methyl Orange (MO) and Rhodamine B (RhB) dyes within a 2-hour timeframe. Our findings revealed that carbon nanotubes exhibited moderate performance, achieving 16 % removal efficiency for MO and 60 % for RhB dyes under similar experimental conditions. In contrast, carbon soot demonstrated remarkable efficacy, with removal efficiencies of 53 % for MO and an impressive 82 % for RhB dyes, owing to their high specific surface area. This excellent adsorption performance suggests the potential of these carbon nanomaterials for environmental remediation applications. To further enhance their overall efficiency, we suggest exploring appropriate functionalization techniques in future research endeavours. Various mechanisms of rhodamine B and methyl orange dye adsorption in carbon nanomaterials. [Display omitted] •Carbon nanomaterials were successfully synthesized using arc discharge technique and parameters optimization was done.•400 Torr of helium gas pressure and 30 V of arc voltage resulted in higher yields of CNTs (cathode deposit).•600 Torr of helium gas pressure and 40 V of arc voltage achieved higher amounts of carbon soot.•The optimized CNTs sample showed 16 % and 60 % of MO and RhB dye removal via adsorption technique in 2 h.•Whereas, the carbon soot removed 53 % and 82 % of MO and RhB dyes via adsorption within 2 h.