Nanocomposite Silica Aerogel Activated Carbon: Preparation,Characterization and Application to Remove Lead(II) from Aqueous Solutions

Anovel nanocomposite adsorbent, Silica aerogel activated carbon (SA‐AC) has been prepared for the purpose of removing lead ions from aqueous solution in batch process. The nanocomposite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). In the present investigation, Pb(II) adsorption experiments on nanocomposite were conducted on aqueous solution at different initial Pb(II) concentration, pH of the solution, adsorption temperature, adsorbent dosage and contact time. Optimum pH for the adsorption was found to be 6 with corresponding adsorbent dosage level of 0.5 g and 60 °C temperature. The equilibriumwas achieved within 30 min of contact time. It is remarkable that using the developed nanocomposite absorbent, more than 90% of Pb(II) can be removed under desirable experimental conditions. The efficiency of the ions adsorption was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied to analyze the experimental data. The best interpretation for the experimental data was given by the Freundlich isotherm equation. Desorption experiments by elution of the adsorbent with nitric acid show that the nanocomposite could be reused without significant losses of its initial properties.