Abstract:Magnesium-loaded sludge-based activated carbon ( M-OS ) was obtained by two-step pyrolysis using oily sludge as raw material and MgCl2 as activator. The optimum preparation conditions were determined by single factor experiment, and its adsorption performance for methyl orange was studied.The adsorption performance of M-OS for methyl orange was investigated. Results indicated that the optimal adsorption performance of M-OS for methyl orange in aqueous solution was achieved under the conditions of an initial solution pH of 5, an initial methyl orange concentration of 100 mg/L, a reaction time of 360 minutes, and an M-OS dosage of 1.5 g/L. SEM, XRD, XPS, and FTIR analyses revealed that magnesium predominantly existed on the surface of the activated carbon in the form of MgO. The adsorption process was mainly governed by multiple adsorption forces, including surface complexation, hydroxyl groups, and pore filling. Kinetic model and isothermal model further confirmed that chemical adsorption played a significant role in the adsorption of methyl orange by M-OS. The process was spontaneous, and the maximum adsorption capacity of M-OS for methyl orange was 3901.87 mg/g. These findings provide a potential and effective method for the resource utilization of oily sludge and the treatment of dye-contaminated wastewater.