In this work, batch adsorption experiments are carried out for crystal violet dye using mesoporous MCM-41 synthesized at room temperature and sulfate modified MCM-41 prepared by impregnation method using H2SO 4 as sulfatising agent. The surface characteristics, pore structure, bonding behavior and thermal degradation of both the MCM-41 samples are characterized by nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The adsorption isotherm, kinetics and thermodynamic parameters are investigated for crystal violet (CV) dye using the calcined and sulfated MCM-41. Results are analysed using Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson isotherm models. It is found that the Freundlich model is an appropriate model to explain the adsorption isotherm. The highest adsorption capacity achieved is found to be 3.4×10-4 mol∈g -1 for the sulfated MCM-41. The percentage removal of crystal violet dye increases with increase in the pH for both the MCM-41 adsorbents. Kinetics of adsorption is found to follow the second-order rate equation. From the thermodynamic investigation, it is evident that the adsorption is exothermic in nature. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.