Functionalized thiacalix[4]arene was inserted in the polyaniline matrix via metallopolymer formation, through internal doping, and as external dopant. The structure of the as-prepared polymer nanocomposites was confirmed by X-ray diffraction spectra, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy measurements. The synthesized conductive nanocomposites were studied as dye adsorbents in this work, and adsorption was thoroughly investigated in optimum pH = 8 and adsorption time of 3 h in terms of isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic stand point for methylene blue and malachite green dyes. All nanocomposites showed great adsorption property as a result of their active functional groups, i.e., hydroxide, sulfonate, amide and NH of polymeric back bone and high aspect ratio. Isotherm studies revealed high correlation with Langmuir isotherm model, with qm as high as 151 for malachite green absorption on thiacalix[4]arene-doped PANI, and the kinetic findings revealed the best fit with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The thermodynamic study was conducted to show proportionate standard Gibbs energy (ΔG°), standard enthalpy (ΔH°) and standard entropy (ΔS°) changes. The highest capacity shift for the endothermic adsorption was recorded to be 4.09 mg g−1. Moreover, the chemically regenerated nanoadsorbents could be effectively used after four adsorption/elusion cycles with up to 95% removal efficiency that confirm its ready recycling property.
