Mechanism of Adsorption of Dyes and Phenols from Water Using Activated Carbons Prepared from Plum Kernels

The kinetics and mechanism of adsorption of two commercial dyes (BR22, AB25), phenol, and 3-chlorophenol from water on activated carbons were studied at 30 degrees C. The activated carbons were prepared from plum kernels, and the activation temperature and time tested were in the ranges 750-900 degrees C and 1-4 h, respectively. Three simplified kinetic models including a pseudo-first-order, a pseudo-second-order, and an intraparticle diffusion model were tested. It was shown that the adsorption of both phenols could be fitted to a pseudo-second-order rate law, and that of both dyes could be fitted to an intraparticle diffusion model. Kinetic parameters were calculated and correlated with the physical properties of the adsorbents. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.     

Adsorption of acid dyes from aqueous solutions onto acid-activated bentonite

The adsorption of two dyes, namely, Acid Red 57 (AR57) and Acid Blue 294 (AB294), onto acid-activated bentonite in aqueous solution was studied in a batch system with respect to contact time, pH, and temperature. Acidic pH was favorable for the adsorption of these dyes. The surface characterization of acid-activated bentonite was performed using the FTIR technique. The pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models and the intraparticle diffusion model were used to describe the kinetic data and the rate constants were evaluated. The dynamic data fitted the pseudo-second-order kinetic model well and also followed the intraparticle diffusion model up to 90 min, but diffusion is not the only rate controlling step. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models were applied to describe the equilibrium isotherms and the isotherm constants were determined. The Freundlich model agrees very well with experimental data. The activation energies of adsorption were also evaluated for the adsorption of AR57 and AB294 onto activated bentonite.     

Comparisons of porous and adsorption properties of carbons activated by steam and KOH

In this work, fir woods and pistachio shells were used as source materials to prepare porous carbons, which were activated by physical (steam) and chemical (KOH) methods. Pore properties of these activated carbons including the BET surface area, pore volume, pore size distribution, and pore diameter were first characterized by a t-plot method based on N(2) adsorption isotherms. Highly porous activated carbons with BET surface area up to 1009-1096 m(2)/g were obtained. The steam and KOH activation methods produced carbons with mesopore content in the range 9-15 and 33-49%, respectively. The adsorption equilibria and kinetics of tannic acid, methylene blue, 4-chlorophenol, and phenol from water on such carbons at 30 degrees C were then investigated to check their chemical characteristics. The Freundlich equation gave a better fit to all adsorption isotherms than the Langmuir equation. On the other hand, the intraparticle diffusion model could best follow all adsorption processes. In comparison with KOH-activated carbons, it was shown that the rate of external surface adsorption with steam-activated carbons was significantly higher but the rate of intraparticle diffusion was much lower.     

Kinetic modeling of liquid-phase adsorption of reactive dyes on activated carbon

In this paper, adsorption equilibrium and kinetics of three reactive dyes from their single-component aqueous solutions onto activated carbon were studied in a batch reactor. Effects of the initial concentration and adsorbent particle size on adsorption rate were investigated Adsorption equilibrium data were then correlated with several well-known equilibrium isotherm models. The kinetic data were fitted using the pseudo-first-order equation, the pseudo-second-order equation, and the intraparticle diffusion model. The respective characteristic rate constants were presented. A new adsorption rate model based on the pseudo-first-order equation has been proposed to describe the experimental data over the whole adsorption process. The results show that the modified pseudo-first-order kinetic model generates the best agreement with the experimental data for the three single-component adsorption systems.     

Analysis of diffusion models for protein adsorption to porous anion-exchange adsorbent

The ion-exchange adsorption kinetics of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and gamma-globulin to an anion exchanger, DEAE Spherodex M, has been studied by batch adsorption experiments. Various diffusion models, that is, pore diffusion, surface diffusion, homogeneous diffusion and parallel diffusion models, are analyzed for their suitabilities to depict the adsorption kinetics. Protein diffusivities are estimated by matching the models with the experimental data. The dependence of the diffusivities on initial protein concentration is observed and discussed. The adsorption isotherm of BSA is nearly rectangular, so there is little surface diffusion. As a result, the surface and homogeneous diffusion models do not fit to the kinetic data of BSA adsorption. The adsorption isotherm of gamma-globulin is less favorable, and the surface diffusion contributes greatly to the mass transport. Consequently, both the surface and homogeneous diffusion models fit to the kinetic data of gamma-globulin well. The adsorption kinetics of BSA and gamma-globulin can be very well fitted by parallel diffusion model, because the model reflects correctly the intraparticle mass transfer mechanism. In addition, for both the favorably bound proteins, the pore diffusion model fits the adsorption kinetics reasonably well. The results here indicate that the pore diffusion model can be used as a good approximate to depict protein adsorption kinetics for protein adsorption systems from rectangular to linear isotherms.     

Preparation and characterization of activated carbons from Sterculia alata nutshell by chemical activation with zinc chloride to remove phenol from wastewater

Nutshells of Sterculia alata, a forest waste, were used to prepare activated carbons by zinc chloride activation under four different activation atmospheres, to develop carbons with substantial capability, and to adsorb phenol from wastewater. Experiments were carried out at different chemical ratios (activating agent/precursor). Effect of carbonization temperature and time are the important variables, which had significant effect on the pore structure of carbon. Developed activated carbon was characterized by SEM analysis. Pore volume and surface area were estimated by Hg porosimetry and BET surface area analyses. The carbons showed surface area and micropore volumes of around 712 m²/g and 0.542 cm³/g, respectively. The activated carbon developed shows substantial capability to adsorb phenol from wastewater. The kinetic data were fitted to the models of intraparticle diffusion, pseudo-second order, and Lagergren model and followed more closely the pseudo-second-order chemisorption model. The isotherm equilibrium data were well-fitted by the Langmuir and Freundlich models. The maximum uptake of phenol was found at pH 3.5.     

Adsorption of lignite-derived humic acids on coal-based mesoporous activated carbons

The adsorption by a coal-based mesoporous activated carbon of humic acids (HAs) isolated from two Polish lignites was studied. For comparison, a commercial Aldrich humic acid was also included into this study. The differences in chemical structure and functional groups of HAs were determined by elemental analysis and infrared spectroscopy DRIFT. Two activated carbons used differed in terms of mesopore volume, mesopore size distribution, and chemical properties of the surface. The kinetics of adsorption of HAs have been discussed using three kinetic models, i.e., the first-order Lagergren model, the pseudo-second-order model, and the intraparticle diffusion model. It was found that the adsorption of HAs from alkaline solution on mesoporous activated carbon proceeds according to the pseudo-second-order model. The correlation coefficients were close to 1. The intraparticle diffusion of HA molecules within the carbon particle was identified to be the rate-limiting step. Comparing the two activated carbons, the carbon with a higher volume of pores with widths of 10-50 nm showed a greater removal efficiency of HA. An increase in the Freundlich adsorption capacity with decreasing carbon content of HA was observed. Among the HAs studied, S-HA shows characteristics indicating the highest contribution of small-size fraction. The S-HA was removed by both activated carbons to the highest extent. The effect of pH solution on the adsorption of HA was examined over the range pH 5.4-12.2. It was found that the extent of adsorption decreased with decreasing pH of the solution.     

Isolation and partial characterization of a biosurfactant mixture produced by Sphingobacterium sp. isolated from soil

The concentration decay curves for the adsorption of phenol on organobentonite were obtained in an agitated tank batch adsorber. The experimental adsorption rate data were interpreted with diffusional models as well as first-order, second-order and Langmuir kinetic models. The surface diffusion model adjusted the data quite well, revealing that the overall rate of adsorption was controlled by surface diffusion. Furthermore, the surface diffusion coefficient increased raising the mass of phenol adsorbed at equilibrium and was independent of the particle diameter in the range 0.042-0.0126 cm. It was demonstrated that the overall rate of adsorption was essentially not affected by the external mass transfer. The second-order and the Langmuir kinetic models fitted the experimental data quite well; however, the kinetic constants of both models varied without any physical meaning while increasing the particle size and the mass of phenol adsorbed at equilibrium.     

Pore structure and adsorption performance of the KOH-activated carbons prepared from corncob

Carbonaceous adsorbents with controllable surface area were chemically activated with KOH at 780 degrees C from chars that were carbonized from corncobs at 450 degrees C. The pore properties, including BET surface area, pore volume, pore size distribution, and mean pore diameter of these activated carbons, were characterized by the t-plot method based on N(2) adsorption isotherms. Two groups are classified according to the types of adsorption/desorption isotherms. Group I corncob-derived activated carbons, with KOH/char ratios from 0.5 to 2, exhibited BET surface area ranging from 841 to 1221 m(2)/g. Group II corncob-derived activated carbons, with KOH/char rations from 3 to 6, showed high BET surface areas, from 1976 to 2595 m(2)/g. From scanning electron microscopic (SEM) results, the surface morphology of honeycombed holes on corncob-derived activated carbons was significantly influenced by the KOH/char ratios. The adsorption kinetics of methylene blue, basic brown 1, acid blue 74, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 4-chlorophenol, and phenol from water at 30 degrees C were studied on the two groups of activated carbons, which were suitably described by two simplified kinetic models, pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order equations. The effective particle diffusivities of phenols and dyes at the corncob-derived activated carbons of group II are higher than those of ordinary activated carbons. The high-surface-area activated carbons were demonstrated to be promising adsorbents for pollution control and for other applications.     

Adsorption of Pentafluorophenol onto Powdered,Granular, and Cloth Activated Carbons

In the present study, the adsorption of pentafluorophenol from aqueous solution onto granular activated carbon, powdered activated carbon, and activated carbon cloth has been investigated from the equilibrium and kinetic points of view. To the best of our knowledge, the removal of pentafluorophenol from aqueous solution onto activated carbon have not been reported in the literature. The experimental equilibrium data, suitably fitted by the Toth, Langmuir-Freundlich, and Redlich-Peterson isotherms, have shown that the cloth and powdered carbons exhibit the highest adsorption capacity. For all the investigated samples, the experimental kinetic data have been satisfactorily interpreted by a pseudo-second-order model. From the fitting results it has been observed that the highest rate constant and initial rate of adsorption is shown by powdered activated carbon.     

ZnO/C纳米球的亚甲基蓝单吸附特性:平衡、动力学及机理

采用电弧放电法制备了ZnO/C纳米球,利用FESEM、XRD和N₂吸附/脱附测试进行了表征。在避光条件下研究了复合材料对亚甲基蓝的吸附性能。研究结果表明,随着亚甲基蓝的浓度及接触时间的增长吸附量明显上升,在吸附时间为150 min时达到吸附平衡。采用Langmuir、Freundlich及Temkin等温吸附模式对吸附平衡进行了研究。结果表明,吸附等温线符合Langmuir等温吸附模式,单层吸附饱和容量可达188.68 mg·g^-1。利用动力学模型、内扩散模型和外扩散速率控制模型拟合实验数据,拟合数据表明其动力学符合伪二级动力学模型;内扩散机理不是吸附速率的唯一限制机理,亚甲基蓝的总吸附速率受膜扩散控制。     

ZnO/C纳米球的亚甲基蓝单吸附特性:平衡、动力学及机理

采用电弧放电法制备了ZnO/C纳米球,利用FESEM、XRD和N₂吸附/脱附测试进行了表征。在避光条件下研究了复合材料对亚甲基蓝的吸附性能。研究结果表明,随着亚甲基蓝的浓度及接触时间的增长吸附量明显上升,在吸附时间为150 min时达到吸附平衡。采用Langmuir、Freundlich及Temkin等温吸附模式对吸附平衡进行了研究。结果表明,吸附等温线符合Langmuir等温吸附模式,单层吸附饱和容量可达188.68 mg·g^-1。利用动力学模型、内扩散模型和外扩散速率控制模型拟合实验数据,拟合数据表明其动力学符合伪二级动力学模型;内扩散机理不是吸附速率的唯一限制机理,亚甲基蓝的总吸附速率受膜扩散控制。     

How do the HSDM and Boyd’s model compare for estimating intraparticle diffusion coefficients in adsorption processes

Adsorption kinetics is a key-issue for a successful activated carbon selection and design of the treatment system. Crucial predictive aspects are the determination of the diffusion coefficients and the establishment of the controlling adsorption step. Several kinetic models have been developed and two of the most frequently used, the homogeneous surface diffusion model (HSDM) and the Boyd’s model, were applied to microcystins, and particularly MC-LR adsorption. Different initial MC-LR concentrations and carbons (particle diameter, porosity), yielding diverse Biot numbers (Bi), were tested. The model outcomes were compared, namely the Boyd’s effective intraparticle diffusion coefficient (D_i) with the HSDM surface diffusion coefficient (D_s), as well as the Bi and Boyd’s criteria to establish the controlling adsorption step, which constitute a novel approach. Very good HSDM fittings were achieved with a constant diffusion model (D_s independent of MC-LR surface concentration). D_i was similar to D_s whenever Boyd plots intercepted the origin. The Biot limit above which it may be considered that intraparticle diffusion is the rate limiting step depended on the carbon. A lower limit was observed for smaller carbons.     

Comparative modelling of mono- and dinitrophenols sorption on yellow bentonite from aqueous solutions

Equilibrium removal of three substituted nitrophenols, namely 2-nitrophenol (2-NP), 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), and 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP), by adsorption on yellow bentonite was tested. The batch kinetic data are described by the pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, and intraparticle diffusion models. Results show that chemisorption processes could be rate limiting in the sorption step. The adsorption equilibrium was modelled by the Langmuir and Freundlich equations. The Langmuir model better represents the equilibrium isotherm data for 2-NP, 4-NP, and 2,4-DNP uptake on yellow bentonite. 4-NP is adsorbed in larger amounts than the disubstituted nitrophenol. Uptake of nitrophenols increases in the order 2-NP < 2,4-DNP < 4-NP.     

Adsorption of phenol by oil-palm-shell activated carbons

Steam activated carbons from oil-palm shells were prepared and used in the adsorption of phenol. The activated carbon had a well-developed mesopore structure which accounted for 45% of the total pore volume. The BET surface area of the activated carbon was 1183 m²/g and a total pore volume of 0.69 cm³/g using N₂ adsorption at 77 K. The adsorption capacity of the activated carbon for phenol was 319 mg/g of adsorbent at 298 K. The adsorption isotherms could be described by both the Langmuir-Freundlich and the Langmuir equations. The adsorption kinetics consisted of a rapid initial uptake phase, followed by a slow approach to equilibrium. A new multipore model is proposed that takes into account of a concentration dependent surface diffusion coefficient within the particle. This model is an improvement to the traditional branched pore model. The theoretical concentration versus time curve generated by the proposed model fitted the experimental data for phenol adsorption reasonably well. Phenol adsorption tests were also carried out on a commercial activated carbon known as Calgon OLC Plus 12×30 and the agreement between these adsorption data and the proposed model was equally good.     

Adsorption of methylene blue onto jute fiber carbon: kinetics and equilibrium studies

Jute fiber obtained from the stem of a plant was used to prepare activated carbon using phosphoric acid. Feasibility of employing this jute fiber activated carbon (JFC) for the removal of Methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution was investigated. The adsorption of MB on JFC has found to dependent on contact time, MB concentration and pH. Experimental result follows Langmuir isotherm model and the capacity was found to be 225.64 mg/g. The optimum pH for the MB removal was found to be 5-10. The kinetic data obtained at different concentrations have been analyzed using a pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order equation, intraparticle diffusion and Elovich equation. Among the kinetic models studied, the intraparticle diffusion was the best applicable model to describe the adsorption of MB onto JFC.     

Removal of methylene blue by seed-watermelon pulp-based low-cost adsorbent: Study of adsorption isotherms and kinetic models

Based on the abundance of seed-watermelon pulp (SWP) in Xinjiang, China, SWP was employed to prepare low-cost adsorbent toward the removal of methylene blue (MB). The effects of contact time at different initial concentration were studied. The widely used adsorption isotherm models including Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherms were employed to depict the adsorption process. The Langmuir isotherm was best fitted to the experimental data. Batch kinetic studies showed that an equilibrium time of 300 minutes was needed for the adsorption. The adsorption properties can be well described by pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the MB uptake was not controlled by intraparticle diffusion mechanism.     

Adsorption of chlorinated organic compounds from water with cerium oxide-activated carbon composite

Adsorptive removal of dichloromethane, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride from aqueous solutions at 25 °C by activated carbon (AC) that was loaded with cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂-NP/AC) was investigated. The developed adsorbent was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), FTIR spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The effect of contact time, initial concentration, and the adsorbent dosage were also studied. The equilibrium and kinetics of adsorption were studied in a batch-type adsorption system, and the equilibrium experimental data were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models. Freundlich adsorption isotherm showed the best fit for the equilibrium adsorption data. Three adsorption kinetic models, pseudo first- and second-order, and intraparticle diffusion models were applied to test the kinetic data. Kinetic characterization of the adsorption process onto CeO₂-NP/AC is well-described by the pseudo second-order model, and the adsorption best-fit by the intraparticle diffusion model. Our study shows that at optimum conditions, 82.72%, 99.40% and 89.42% of dichloromethane, chloroform, and tetrachloride, respectively, were removed by CeO₂-NP/AC, at concentration between 0.25 and 5.00 g/L.     

The Use of High Surface Area Mesoporous-Activated Carbon from Longan Seed Biomass for Increasing Capacity and Kinetics of Methylene Blue Adsorption from Aqueous Solution

Microporous- and mesoporous-activated carbons were produced from longan seed biomass through physical activation with CO₂ under the same activation conditions of time and temperature. The specially prepared mesoporous carbon showed the maximum porous properties with the specific surface area of 1773 m²/g and mesopore volume of 0.474 cm³/g which accounts for 44.1% of the total pore volume. These activated carbons were utilized as porous adsorbents for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from an aqueous solution and their effectiveness was evaluated for both the adsorption kinetics and capacity. The adsorption kinetic data of MB were analyzed by the pseudo-first-order model, the pseudo-second-order model, and the pore-diffusion model equations. It was found that the adsorption kinetic behavior for all carbons tested was best described by the pseudo-second-order model. The effective pore diffusivity (D_e) derived from the pore-diffusion model had the values of 4.657 × 10⁻⁷–6.014 × 10⁻⁷ cm²/s and 4.668 × 10⁻⁷–19.920 × 10⁻⁷ cm²/s for the microporous- and mesoporous-activated carbons, respectively. Three well-known adsorption models, namely the Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich–Peterson equations were tested with the experimental MB adsorption isotherms, and the results showed that the Redlich–Peterson model provided the overall best fitting of the isotherm data. In addition, the maximum capacity for MB adsorption of 1000 mg/g was achieved with the mesoporous carbon having the largest surface area and pore volume. The initial pH of MB solution had virtually no effect on the adsorption capacity and removal efficiency of the methylene blue dye. Increasing temperature over the range from 35 to 55 °C increased the adsorption of methylene blue, presumably caused by the increase in the diffusion rate of methylene blue to the adsorption sites that could promote the interaction frequency between the adsorbent surface and the adsorbate molecules. Overall, the high surface area mesoporous carbon was superior to the microporous carbon in view of the adsorption kinetics and capacity, when both carbons were used for the removal of MB from an aqueous solution.