Asia Pacific Journal of Medical Toxicology

Functionalization and Application of Carboxylated Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Adsorptive Removal of Penicillin G from Aqueous Solution

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Milad Chahardori 1, 2, 3
Hamidreza Mohammadi 2
Fatemeh Shaki 2

1 Student Research Committee, Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

2 Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

3 Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahar, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22038/apjmt.2026.91139.1534
Abstract
Background: The presence of pharmaceutical contaminants such as Penicillin G in aquatic environments poses significant ecological and health risks. This study aimed to synthesize carboxyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-COOH) and evaluate their efficiency in removing Penicillin G from aqueous solutions through adsorption.
Methods: This experimental study was conducted at the Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. MWCNT-COOH was synthesized via a diazonium-based surface modification and characterized using FTIR and SEM. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of pH, contact time, initial concentration, adsorbent dosage, and temperature. Adsorption data were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherms, and kinetics were assessed using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models.
Results: The synthesized MWCNT-COOH showed efficient adsorption performance, with maximum removal observed at pH 8 and equilibrium achieved within 80 minutes. The Langmuir model best described the isotherm data, with a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 118.17 mg/g. Kinetic analysis revealed that the process followed a pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemisorption. Adsorption efficiency decreased with increasing temperature, suggesting an exothermic mechanism.
Conclusion: MWCNT-COOH prepared via surface functionalization showed excellent potential as an adsorbent for Penicillin G removal. The findings support the use of functionalized carbon nanomaterials for the treatment of antibiotic-contaminated water.

Keywords

Penicillin G, Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)
Adsorption
Isotherm models
Kinetic modeling
Thermodynamic analysis
Wastewater treatment
Subjects
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Asia Pacific Journal of Medical Toxicology
Volume 15, Issue 1
Winter 2026
Pages 28-36

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