Ear-like poly (acrylic acid)-activated carbon nanocomposite: A highly efficient adsorbent for removal of Cd(II) from aqueous solutions. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ge, Huacai; Wang, Jincui
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 169(2017)
• Page Start: 443
• Page End: 449
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Activated carbon -- Acrylic acid -- Nanocomposite -- Cd(II) -- Adsorption; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.11.069
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: Poly (acrylic acid) modified activated carbon nanocomposite (PAA-AC) was synthesized. The structure and morphology of this nanocomposite were characterized by FTIR, SEM, TEM, XRD and Zeta potential. The adsorption of some heavy metal ions on PAA-AC was studied. The characterization results indicated that PAA-AC was a novel and ear-like nanosheet material with the thickness of about 40 nm and the diameter of about 300 nm. The adsorption results exhibited that the introduction of carboxyl groups into activated carbon evidently increased the uptake for heavy metal ions and the nanocomposite had maximum uptake for Cd(II). Various variables affecting adsorption of PAA-AC for Cd(II) were systematically explored. The maximum capacity and equilibrium time for adsorption of Cd(II) by PAA-AC were 473.2 mg g −1 and 15 min. Moreover, the removal of Cd(II) for real electroplating wastewater by PAA-AC could reach 98.5%. These meant that the removal of Cd(II) by PAA-AC was highly efficient and fast. The sorption kinetics and isotherm fitted well with the pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir model, respectively. The adsorption mainly was a chemical process by chelation. Thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption was a spontaneous and endothermic process. The results revealed that PAA-AC could be considered as a potential candidate for Cd(II) removal. Highlights: A novel grafted activated carbon adsorbent was prepared. The adsorbent had a unique and ear-like nanosheet structure. This nanosheet had the diameter of about 300 nm and the thickness of about 40 nm. The adsorbent had high uptake and very fast rate for the adsorption of Cd(II). The adsorbent could reach 98.5% Cd(II) removal for real electroplating wastewater.