Enhanced removal efficiency of methyl red via the modification of halloysite nanotubes by copper oxide

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were modified with CuO to form CuO-HNT composites. Results revealed that the CuO particles deposited on the HNT have higher specific surface area (SBET) and pore volume compared to unmodified HNT. Application of the composites for the removal of methyl red (MR) dye was investigated. The composites have better removal efficiency than HNT. The data fitted the Freundlich adsorption isotherms. Kinetics of adsorption favored the pseudo-second-order model. Removal efficiency was faster and higher in alkaline conditions. Reusability experiments show that the low-cost composites were effective up to seven cycles.