Corn Husk fused: Fe2O3 - A Symphony of Sustainable Solutions for Cationic Dyes

Dive into the colourful realm of textile wastewater, where α-Fe2O3 attached carbon material, born from the corn husk (Fe-AC@CH), emerges as an eco-hero in the battle against cationic dye pollution, starring Methylene Blue (MB) and Malachite Green (MG). Our journey ventures deep into the synthesis and structural mysteries of Fe-AC@CH, unravelling its secrets through a high-tech arsenal: Fourier-Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), High-Resolution Transition Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), and Raman Spectroscopy. In the quest for optimal adsorption, we meticulously dissect the variables — adsorbent dose, contact time, solution pH, initial dye concentration, and temperature — orchestrating the perfect conditions for MB and MG removal. Isothermal revelations spotlight the Langmuir and D-R isotherm models as the guiding stars, while kinetic analyses unveil the captivating dance of the pseudo-first-order model, boasting stellar correlation coefficients (R2) and perfect harmony with experimental sorption capacities (Qe). Enter the realm of MG, where the intraparticle diffusion kinetic model adds another layer to our understanding, seamlessly aligning calculated Qe values with experimental results. The grand finale reveals physisorption as the masterstroke governing the enchanting adsorption narrative of both MB and MG onto the Fe-AC@CH composite. This ground-breaking study not only anoints Fe-AC@CH as the stalwart defender against cationic dyes in textile wastewater but also heralds corn husks as sustainable sorcery, conjuring eco-friendly adsorbents. The results, a treasure trove of insights, navigate the intricate interplay between composite structure, adsorption kinetics, and isothermal behavior, ushering in a green revolution in the removal of cationic dyes from our waterways.