Photocatalytic hydrogen generation using TiO2: a state-of-the-art review

This review is focusing on photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) production as a viable fuel. The limitations of different production methods for H2 generation and the importance of photocatalytic process are discussed, which renders this process as highly promising to meet the future energy crises. TiO2 is one of most effective material to generate the H2 via photocatalytic processes. Therefore, advantages of the catalyst over other semiconductors have been thoroughly analyzed. Starting from synthesis of TiO2 and factors affecting the whole process of photocatalytic H2 production have been discussed. Modifications for improvement in TiO2 and the photocatalytic reaction are critically reviewed as well as the mechanism of TiO2 modification has been described. Metal doping, non-metal doping, impurity addition and defect introduction processes have been analyzed and the comparison of experimental results is developed based on H2 production efficiency. A critical review of the literature from 2004 to 2021 concludes that H2 production as fuel using TiO2 photocatalytic method is efficient and environment friendly, which have potential for practical applications for H2 generation.

Ionizing radiation based advanced oxidation process for reactive orange 122 dye degradation and kinetics studies

In the current study, the degradation of reactive orange 122 (RO 122) dye was carried out under UV and gamma irradiation in presence of H2O2. The effect of variables such as UV exposure time, gamma-ray absorbed dose, initial concentration of dye and oxidant dose were investigated. The removal of 64.10, 58.84 and 55.46 (%) was observed for 50, 100 and 150 (mg/L) dye concentrations, respectively using UV radiation time of 150 (min). The degradation was enhanced to 80.39, 69.95 and 67.01 (%) when UV radiation was employed in the presence of H2O2 (0.5 mL/L) for above concentrations respectively. The degradation was further improved to 97, 92.54 and 81.32 (%) using 5 kGy absorbed dose along with H2O2 (0.5 mL/L). The reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) was 77, 64 and 57 (%) using UV/H2O2 (0.5 mL/L), while 63, 56 and 53 (%) in case of gamma/H2O2 for aforementioned concentrations. The removal efficiency (G-value), dose constants (k), dose indispensable for 50, 90 and 99 (%) degradation (D 0.5, D 0.90, and D 0.99) after the treatment with gamma radiation were determined. The G-value was noted as 0.46–0.0711 for 50–150 mg/L dye concentration for gamma irradiated samples which improved to 0.57–0.1204 for above mentioned concentrations in presence of H2O2. The FTIR analysis showed that all the peaks were disappeared using gamma/H2O2 at 5 kGy absorbed dose except a minor peak of −CO stretching. The degradation mechanism of dye followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. A significant decrease in peak area was observed by the HPLC analysis after treating the dye samples with gamma/H2O2 (0.5 mL/L) at absorbed dose of 5 kGy which has proven the process efficiency for dye degradation.

Green synthesis of iron nanoparticles and photocatalytic activity evaluation for the degradation of methylene blue dye

The present study focuses on iron nanoparticles (Fe NPs) biosynthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity (PCA) appraisal for methylene blue dye degradation. A green rapid biogenic synthesis route was employed for synthesis of Fe NPs using banana peel extract. The synthesized Fe NPs was characterized by XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and EDX (energy dispersive X-ray) techniques. These analysis confirmed the synthesis of zero valent Fe NPs with high crystallinity, purity and semi spherical in shape. The photocatalytic activity was assessed under ultra violet irradiation and under optimum conditions, 87% degradation of MB dye was obtained for 72 min of irradiation, which revealed promising catalytic efficiency of the Fe NPs. The result shows that photocatalytic activity of Fe NPs is promising and could possibly be used to treat dyes in industrial effluents and the use of green synthetic protocol is suggested due to its ecofriendly nature.

Kinetics of acid blue 40 dye degradation under solar light in the presence of CuO nanoparticles synthesized using Citrullus lanatus seeds extract

In view of eco-benign nature of green synthesis, in the present investigation, the CuO NPs are prepared using Citrullus lanatus seeds extract and photocatalytic degradation efficiency for Acid Blue 40 (AB-40) was evaluated. The CuO NPs were characterized by XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), EDX (energy dispersive X-ray), and FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared) techniques. The synthesized CuO NPs was in face centered monoclinic crystalline form with particle size in 40–60 nm range. The photocatalytic degradation potential of CuO NPs was assessed for acid blue 40 (AB-40) dye degradation and catalyst dose, concentration of dye, radiation exposure time and pH are considered for dye removal. The CuO NPs exhibited auspicious efficiency, an 84.89% dye removal was attained at optimal conditions and dye degradation followed BMG (Behnajady–Modirshahla–Ghanbery) kinetics model. Results revealed CuO NPs synthesized using C. lanatus seeds extract is photoactive catalyst and green route can be employed for CuO NPs fabrication for photocatalytic applications.

Biochar caged zirconium ferrite nanocomposites for the adsorptive removal of Reactive Blue 19 dye in a batch and column reactors and conditions optimizaton

Biochar caged zirconium ferrite (BC-ZrFe2O5) nanocomposites were fabricated and their adsorption capacity for Reactive Blue 19 (RB19) dye was evaluated in a fixed-bed column and batch sorption mode. The adsorption of dye onto BC-ZrFe2O5 NCs followed pseudo-second-order kinetics (R 2 = 0.998) and among isotherms, the experimental data was best fitted to Sips model as compared to Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms models. The influence of flow-rate (3–5 mL min−1), inlet RB19 dye concentration (20–100 mg L−1) and quantity of BC-ZrFe2O5 NCs (0.5–1.5 g) on fixed-bed sorption was elucidated by Box-Behnken experimental design. The saturation times (C t /C o  = 0.95) and breakthrough (C t /C o  = 0.05) were higher at lower flow-rates and higher dose of BC-ZrFe2O5 NCs. The saturation times decreased, but breakthrough was increased with the initial RB19 dye concentration. The treated volume was higher at low sorbent dose and influent concentration. Fractional bed utilization (FBU) increased with RB19 dye concentration and flow rates at low dose of BC-ZrFe2O5 NCs. Yan model was fitted best to breakthrough curves data as compared to Bohart-Adams and Thomas models. Results revealed that BC-ZrFe2O5 nanocomposite has promising adsorption efficiency and could be used for the adsorption of dyes from textile effluents.

Electrocoagulation induced treatment of indigo carmine textile dye in an aqueous medium: the effect of process variables on efficiency evaluated using biochemical response of Gammarus pulex

Indigo carmine removal from aqueous solutions was investigated by the electrocoagulation process and biochemical responses of Gammarus pulex to solutions before and after treatment were studied. Electrocoagulation experiments in the first stage were carried out with central composite design (CCD) using response surface methodology (RSM). Optimization of process variables that maximize indigo carmine removal by electrocoagulation process was carried out by using a second-order model within the studied test range of various process variables. According to the optimization results, optimum conditions for obtaining 82.55% maximum indigo carmine removal were pH 5.86, a current density of 13.31 mA/cm², an indigo carmine concentration of 20.01 mg/L, and a time period of 115.80 min. Under optimum conditions for indigo carmine removal, the amount of sludge formed was 0.928 kg/m³, electrode consumption was 0.0305 kg/m³, and energy consumption was 7.461 kWh/m³. The operating cost was calculated as 0.79 US$/m³ under treatment conditions where optimum indigo carmine removal was achieved. In the second stage, G. pulex was exposed to treated and untreated synthetic indigo carmine solutions obtained from experiments according to optimum conditions in order to investigate the biochemical response for 24 and 96 h. Treatment efficiency was evaluated with superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) biomarkers. Results clearly showed that the electrocoagulation process was a simple and effective treatment method for the decolorization of wastewaters containing indigo carmine dye. The bioassays used in the present study provided good credibility for checking the detoxification of treated and untreated indigo carmine solutions.

Kinetics of methylene blue dye adsorptive removal using halloysite nanocomposite hydrogels

In the present work, halloysite nano-clay (HNTs) based hydrogel was fabricated and their efficiency for the removal of methylene blue dye was studied. The hydrogel films were prepared with varying amount of halloysite nano-clay via facile solution casting method. Effect of halloysite clay on adsorption performance of composite was investigated. The hydrophobic thermoplastic synthetic polymer, polylactic acid (PLA) was blended with hydrophilic polymer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and HNTs to synthesize hydrogels. Swelling behavior and antimicrobial efficiency was also evaluated. The halloysite incorporating films showed excellent antibacterial activity. Swelling capacity of hydrogel with increased halloysite content was reduced due to increased crosslinking among polymer chains. Halloysite incorporated hydrogel exhibited higher adsorption ability as compared to film comprising of only PVA and PLA and dye removal followed pseudo first order kinetics. Film with 0.03 g HNTs rapidly attained adsorption-desorption equilibria and removed the dye completely within 30 min. Results confirmed that synthesized film could be potentially used for the removal of cationic dye and fabricated hydrogel film have promising potential for wastewater treatment since a higher adsorption capacity was observed for halloysite nano-clay incorporated hydrogel.

Hydrothermal synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of Mg doped MoS2

In this research work nanoparticles of Mg (0, 1, 2 and 3%) doped MoS2 are prepared by Hydrothermal method at 200 °C for 9 h. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for surface morphology, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for structural and chemical bonding and UV-visible spectroscopy for optical properties are used. SEM showed that sheet-like structure has changed into stone-like shaped when Mg has doped into MoS2. From FTIR, Mo–O, Mo=S, and H–O bond peaks are becoming dim and new chemical bonds S=O, Mo=O, Mg–O, CH and OH are forming with the increase of Mg doping. UV-visible spectroscopy showed that MoS2 has an indirect bandgap 2.21 eV. Band gap decreased from 1.84 to 1.82 eV when the Mg doping was increased from 1 to 2%, respectively. As Mg concentration was increased i.e. 3% then band gap increased to 1.88 eV. Photocatalytic activity (PCA) of undoped and Mg doped MoS2 is appraised by degrading rhodamine blue (RhB) and methylene blue (MB) dyes. The results showed that PCA (in presence of visible light) Mg doped MoS2 is greater than pure MoS2 which significantly increased the photocatalytic properties.

Highly photosensitized Mg4 Si6O15 (OH)2·6H2O@guar gum nanofibers for the removal of methylene blue under solar light irradiation

In the present investigation, photosensitized nanofibers (NFs) based on guar gum (GG)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/Mg4Si6O15(OH)2·6H2O (SP) (modified by 1, 4-diamminobutane [DAB]) was fabricated by electrospinning approach and same was used for the degradation of dye under solar light irradiation. For electrospinning of NFs, the acceleration voltage, nozzle flow rate and collector distance levels of 19,000 KV, 0.5 mL/h and 3 cm were optimum conditions along with 7% (w/v) blend of GG/PVA (1.4:5.6 wt/wt) and 0.01 g modified Mg4Si6O15(OH)2·6H2O. The exfoliation, intercalation and clay organophilization in GG/PVA/Mg4Si6O15(OH)2·6H2O (GG/PVA/SP) NFs were examined by FTIR analysis. The photocatalytic activity (PCA) of NF was studied under the solar light irradiation for methylene blue (MB) dye degradation. The photosensitized GG/PVA/SP2 (G3) showed promising PCA under visible light and G3 furnished higher degradation of MB dye (99.1%) within 10 min of irradiation. Results revealed that GG/PVA/SP based NFs are highly active under solar light, which can be applied for the treatment of wastewater.

Textile Industry Effluent Treatment Techniques

Dyes and other chemicals laden wastewater is a main environmental concern for increasing the textile industries in many parts of the world. Textile industries consume different kinds of manmade dyes or other chemicals and release huge extents of highly polluted water into the environment. This excessive dye laden wastewater has great impacts on photosynthetic activity in aquatic plants and animals, for example, fish. It may also affect human health due to the presence of components like heavy metals and chlorine in manmade dyes. Thus, wastewater effluent from textile industries must be treated before discharge into the water body. Treatment technologies observed in this review paper include biological treatment methods (fungi, algae, bacteria, and microbial fuel cells), chemical treatment methods (photocatalytic oxidation, ozone, and Fenton’s process), and physicochemical treatment methods (adsorption, ion exchange, coagulation, and filtration). This review also includes the hybrid treatment methods and their cost per m3 of treated wastewater analysis. There are alternative wastewater treatments systems at different steps of effluent generated from the textile operational unit recommend in this review work.

Integrated textile effluent treatment method

Textile wastewater purification is a challenging process. Conventional wastewater treatment methods either lack in efficiency, cost-effectiveness or leads to the generation of secondary pollutants. Additionally, some treatment methods are time-consuming. The research presented in the manuscript is a blend of filtration, biosorption, aeration, solar energy-assisted electrolytic precipitation, pH balance, and germicidal treatments with an aim of reducing the suspended solids, intense color, odor, pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and heavy metal content of textile effluent. Use of environmentally sustainable surface activated biosorbents derived from waste weeds Water Hyacinth (WH) and Parthenium Hysterophorus (PH) as an alternative to commercial grade Activated Charcoal (AC), comparison of adsorption capacities of proposed adsorbents against AC for effluent decolorization, the application of solar energy to run an electrolytic precipitator, and the unique sequential design of various unit processes like coarse and fine filtration, biosorption, aeration, electrolytic precipitation, pH treatment and germicidal UV-C treatment to treat the effluent are some of the novel methodologies explored in the present study. The invented process provides almost completely decolorized (about 90%-94%), particle-free and odorless treated water, with the acceptable levels of heavy metals (Lead-not detected, Arsenic-not detected, Zinc-0.5-0.8 mg/L), TDS (1,500-1,850 mg/L), COD (149-169 mg/L) pH (7.1-7.15), and EC (2.5-2.8 mMhos/cm) as some of the important parameters, fitting well within the standard pollution limits. Performance efficiency estimation and statistical modeling were done for the data using the t test and f test. The values obtained were (t = 2.78 and f = 4.99 for treated WH against AC) and (t = 3.00 and f = 5.38 for treated PH against AC at 0.05 level of significance) as an essential part of the manuscript, proving the supremacy of the proposed process to achieve the standard pollution norms. Cost-effectiveness was an integral factor addressed in the proposed design, recorded a 1.7 USD per 1,000 L of input effluent, which was well below than most of the reported studies. The invented method in the present investigation thus provides an integrated, efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution to wastewater treatment. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Effluent decolorization is about 68% in comparison with conventional activated carbon. The adsorbent was found to be three times more active than activated carbon. COD value decreased from 2,352 mg/L to about 150 mg/L on treatment with the novel adsorbent.

Fabrication and characterization of Fe2O3, Bi2O3 and BiFeO3 and evaluation of their photo catalytic performances on degradation of methylene blue dye

This study reports the fabrication of Fe2O3, Bi2O3, and BiFeO3, characterization and evaluation of the photocatalytic performances for methylene blue dye degradation. The materials were synthesized by precipitation method and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-rays analyses, and Fourier transform infrared analyses. The photocatalytic activities of Fe2O3, Bi2O3, and BiFeO3 were compared by performing degradation experiments with 50 mL of 100 mg/L methylene blue solution. The as-prepared BiFeO3 was found as 2.4 times and 1.7 times more effective than Fe2O3 and Bi2O3, with a 79, 47, and 57% catalytic activity, respectively. The degradation of methylene blue over the BiFeO3 catalyst was optimized in terms of pH, catalyst dosage, temperature, and methylene blue concentration. The Eley–Rideal mechanism was proposed to describe the reaction kinetics in terms of the first order and second order kinetics model. Activation energy E (kJ/mol), enthalpy ΔH (kJ/mol), entropy ΔS (J/mol) and free energy ΔG (kJ/mol) were calculated as 20.8, 18.2, 197.5 and −45.3 respectively. The negative value of free energy shows that photodegradation is favored in present conditions.

Greener approach to substitute chemical reduction clearing process for fabric dyed with Foron Blue E-BL 150, Foron Rubine RD-GFL and Foron Brilliant Yellow S-6GL using indigenous resources

Fabric dyed with disperse dyes followed a reduction clearing process (RCP)/chemical clearing process (CCP) to remove the unfixed dye from the fabric. In the clearing process, unfixed dyes and chemicals are discharged into streams. To combat this issue, an environment friendly approaches is explored that is a biological clearing using indigenous fungal strains of white-rot fungi (Pleurotus ostreatus and Ganoderma lucidum). In this context, fabrics dyed with three disperse dyes (Foron Blue E-BL 150, Foron Rubine RD-GFL and Foron Brilliant Yellow S-6GL) were considered. The fabric cleared with biological clearing process improved the quality of fabric versus chemically cleared fabric and among the tested strains, G. lucidum showed higher efficiency for color strength improvement. However, no significant difference in tensile and tear strength of all fabric samples was observed. The quality of effluents in clearing reduction process for three dyes was assessed and it was observed that water quality parameters including chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and total dissolved solids (TDS) improved significantly and results revealed that the biological clearing approach can substitute chemical reduction clearing process for fabric dyed with dyes, which is greener and eco-friendly versus conventional processes to avoid unfixed dyes discharge in to water bodies.

Synthesis of Cu-doped MgO and its enhanced photocatalytic activity for the solar-driven degradation of disperse red F3BS with condition optimization

In the present study, Cu (2–12%) doped MgO was synthesized and characterized by SEM, XRD, EDX, and FTIR spectroscopy. The Cu concentration significantly affected the band gap and particle size, which ranged from 4.63 to 3.78 eV and from 27.2 to 79 nm, respectively. In addition, the photocatalytic activity (PCA) of Cu-doped MgO was monitored by the photocatalytic destruction of disperse red F3BS coralene dye, and four reaction variables such as dye concentration, catalyst dose, hydrogen peroxide concentration, and irradiation time, respectively, were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). Dye degradation was significantly affected by these process variables, and a degradation rate of up to 93% was achieved under optimized conditions. The wastewater samples were also treated under optimized conditions and water quality variables, i.e., chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) were significantly improved after treatment. Cu-doped MgO exhibited excellent PCA under the solar-light exposure for the degradation of disperse red F3BS dye, which can be employed for the treatment of dye-containing effluents.

Synthesis and characterization of magnetically separable La1−x Bi x Cr1−y Fe y O3 and photocatalytic activity evaluation under visible light

A series of Bi and Fe doped La1−x Bi x Cr1−y Fe y O3 (x = 0.00–0.10 and y = 0.02–0.12) perovskites were fabricated through a facile microemulsion method and were characterized by XRD, DC electrical-resistivity, dielectric, VSM, and UV–Visible measurements. Orthorhombic phase of synthesized substituted chromite nanocrystallite was confirmed by powdered XRD analysis with crystallite size in 47.8–32.9 nm range. DC electrical resistivity was observed to increase from 1.70–39.99 × 108 Ω-cm. Dielectric parameters analyzed in frequency range of 20 kHz–20 MHz were decreased, while magnetic parameters were observed to increase with the increase in dopant (Bi+3 and Fe+3) concentration. Whereas coercivity values was low (narrow hysteresis loop), which indicate the soft ferromagnetic of the prepared material materials which are quite useful to employ in storage devices and electronics. Moreover, La1−x Bi x Cr1−y Fe y O3 degraded 90.80% Rhodamine B dye under visible light irradiation within 55 min. The increase in electrical resistivity, while decrease in dielectric parameters was also observed with increase in dopant concentration, ferromagnetic nature and excellent photocatalytic properties make this material suitable for high frequency energy devices, microwave appliances as well as an excellent magnetically separable photocatalyst for the purification of contaminated wastewater.

Hydrothermal route for the synthesis of manganese ferrite nanoparticles and photocatalytic activity evaluation for the degradation of methylene blue dye

Manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) was prepared via hydrothermal route and characterized by advanced techniques. The photocatalytic activity (PCA) was evaluated by degrading methylene blue (MB) dye under UV irradiation. The effect of process variables such as catalyst dose, UV exposure time and pH was studied for maximum degradation of dye at optimum conditions. The MnFe2O4 showed face centered cubic structure and average particle size of 23.98 nm. The lattice constant, lattice strain, ionic radii (rA & rB), bonding angles and hoping lengths of MnFe2O4 were recorded to be 0.8467 nm, 0.08, 1.66, 0.766, 1.833 and 2.116 Å, respectively. The MnFe2O4 showed promising PCA and at optimum conditions of process variable, up to 99% MB dye degradation was achieved. The PCA was found dependent to catalyst dose, UV exposure time and pH. Results revealed that the hydrothermal rout is feasible route for the preparation of MnFe2O4 ferrite in nano size and the PCA revealed the potential application of MnFe2O4 ferrite to degrade dye in textile wastewater.

Kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics of dyes adsorption onto modified chitosan: a review

In view of promising sorption capacity, stability, biodegradability, cost-effectiveness, environmental friendly nature, regeneration and recycling ability, the chitosan (CS) based adsorbents are highly efficient for the sequestration of dyes. Since CS offers variable chemical structures and CS have been modified by incorporating different moieties. The CS composites with unique properties have been employed successfully for dye adsorption with reasonably high adsorption capacity versus other similar adsorbents. Modifications of CS were promising for the preparation of composites that are extensively studied for their adsorption capacities for various dyes. This review highlights the CS and its modification and their applications for the adsorption of dyes. The removal capacities of CS-based adsorbents, equilibrium modeling, kinetics studies and the thermodynamic characteristics are reported. Moreover, the FTIR, BET, SEM, TGA and XRD were employed for the characterization of CS modified adsorbents are also discussed. Results revealed that the modified CS is highly efficient and can be employed for the sequestration of dyes from effluents.

Kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics of dyes adsorption onto modified chitosan: a review

In view of promising sorption capacity, stability, biodegradability, cost-effectiveness, environmental friendly nature, regeneration and recycling ability, the chitosan (CS) based adsorbents are highly efficient for the sequestration of dyes. Since CS offers variable chemical structures and CS have been modified by incorporating different moieties. The CS composites with unique properties have been employed successfully for dye adsorption with reasonably high adsorption capacity versus other similar adsorbents. Modifications of CS were promising for the preparation of composites that are extensively studied for their adsorption capacities for various dyes. This review highlights the CS and its modification and their applications for the adsorption of dyes. The removal capacities of CS-based adsorbents, equilibrium modeling, kinetics studies and the thermodynamic characteristics are reported. Moreover, the FTIR, BET, SEM, TGA and XRD were employed for the characterization of CS modified adsorbents are also discussed. Results revealed that the modified CS is highly efficient and can be employed for the sequestration of dyes from effluents.

ZnO, CuO and Fe2O3 green synthesis for the adsorptive removal of direct golden yellow dye adsorption: kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics studies

In the present investigation, ZnO, CuO and Fe2O3 were prepared via green route and utilized for the sequestration of DGY (Direct Golden Yellow) dye. Affecting variables i.e., temperature, contact time, adsorbent dose and pH were optimized for maximum sequestration of dye from aqueous medium. The pH 2, adsorbent dose 0.1 g/50 mL dye solution, temperature 30 °C and 50 mg/L dye initial concentration were best levels for efficient dye adsorption and equilibrium was attained in 30 min reaction time. The dye sequestration on to ZnO, CuO and Fe2O3 was an exothermic process. Freundlich and Temkin adsorption isotherms explained well the dye adsorption onto nanoadsorbents and dye adsorption followed pseudo first order kinetic model. Effect of electrolytes and heavy metal ions was also investigated and both affected the adsorption process significantly. In the presences of surfactant/detergent, the removal of dye was reduced and 0.5 N NaOH efficiently desorbed the dye from nanoadsorbents. Findings depicted that the nanoadsorbents are effectual for the sequestration of DGY dye, which can be employed for the remediation of textile effluents.

Sol–Gel Synthesis of Mesoporous Silica–Iron Composite: Kinetics, Equilibrium and Thermodynamics Studies for the Adsorption of Turquoise-Blue X-GB Dye

Mesoporous silica (MPS) and MPS-Fe composite was prepared via sol–gel technique and characterized by BET, FTIR, XRD, SEM and pZc. The MPS and MPS-Fe adsorption efficiencies were evaluated for a cationic dye Turquoise-blue X-GB. The MPS-Fe composite showed pore size and BET values of 9.52 nm and 309 m2/g, respectively. XRD and SEM analysis revealed the amorphous nature and uniform distribution of spherical partciles with average particle size of 50 nm of MPS-Fe composite. The points of zero (pZc) charge found to be 2.3 and 6.3 for MPS and MPS-Fe, respectively. The MPS and MPS-Fe showed promising efficiency for the adsorption of Turquoise-blue X-GB as a function of medium pH, contact time, dye initial concentration and temperature. Among, Freundlich, Langmuir, Harkins–Jura, Temkin, Doubinin–Radushkevich isotherms, the Turquoise-blue X-GB followed Langmuir isothermal model with adsorption capacities of 83.34 mg/g and 74.07 mg/g for MPS and MPS-Fe composite, respectively. Among kinetics models, pseudo second order kinetic model fitted to the dye adsorption with R2 values of 0.998 and 0.988 for MPS and MPS-Fe composite, respectively. The negative values of enthalpy (ΔH) and free energy (ΔG) revealed exothermic and spontaneous adsorption of dye at room temperature. Results revealed that MPS and MPS-Fe composite have promising potential for Turquoise-blue X-GB dye adsorption and could possibly be extended for the adsorption of dyes from textile effluents.