Preparation, characterization and evaluation of bio-based magnetic activated carbon for effective adsorption of malachite green from aqueous solution

The removal feasibility of malachite green (MG) on Magnetic Activated Carbon (Fe3O4-AC) from aqueous solution was investigated. The physicochemical/morphological properties of the prepared novel sorbents were identified using an analysis technique. The maximum adsorption capacity of the synthesized magnetic sorbent was found in the range of 217.68–311.40 mg/g at 298–318 K while it was determined between 103.64 and 106.54 mg/g for activated carbon (AC). All results showed that the synthesized adsorbent is an effective adsorbent for the removal of MG from aqueous solutions in addition to its advantageous properties such as considerable high surface area and porosity, natural source requirement, low cost and easy producible. [Display omitted] •AC sorbent was produced from chestnut shell with low cost material.•Fe3O4-AC obtained from AC by loading iron oxide was used to remove of MG from aqueous solutions.•The dependency of the adsorption efficiency on the batch parameters was studied.•The maximum adsorption capacity was determined to be 103.64 and 311.40 mg/g for AC and Fe3O4-AC.•Fe3O4-AC can be considered as a promising sorbent for the elimination of MG from wastewaters.