Sonochemical decolorization of acid black 210 in the presence of exfoliated graphite

The decolorization of acid black 210 by ultrasonic irradiation in the presence of exfoliated graphite was investigated. Low pH value and large exfoliation volume of exfoliated graphite favored the ultrasonic decolorization of acid black 210. The combination method of ultrasonic waves and exfoliated graphite achieved better results than either exfoliated graphite or ultrasound alone. Improved decolorization efficiency has been observed in the present system compared to the process using a combination of ultrasound and activated carbon. In the combination method of ultrasonic waves and exfoliated graphite, approximately 99.5% of acid black 210 was removed using 0.8 g/1 exfoliated graphite at a pH of 1 within 120 min at 51 degrees C. 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.