Synthesis of MWCNTs‐Polyaniline Macromolecule Nanocomposite for Doxycycline Removal From Wastewater: Modeling, Kinetics, and Thermodynamics Studies

A nanocomposite of MWCNTs (40%) and polyaniline macromolecule (60%) was prepared and characterized. The doxycycline antibiotic was removed from the water using this nanocomposite. At 60 mg/L of doxycycline, 1.0 g/L of the antibiotic, 60 min of contact time, and 298 K temperature, the adsorbent had an adsorption capacity of 45 mg/g. The Henry, Langmuir, Freundlich, D-R, and Temkin models were used. The best fitting model was the Langmuir model based on statistical data. According to the thermodynamic data, the adsorption occurred spontaneously and thermodynamically. A combination of external mass transfer processes and intraparticle diffusion, along with external mass transfer, led to the adsorption. The supramolecular mechanism demonstrated the adsorption of the antibiotic doxycycline through π-π interactions, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bonding. The adsorbent showed good removal at natural pH 8 and is cost-effective. This method is useful in removing doxycycline from water.