Modeling of iron adsorption on HTTA-loaded polyurethane foam using Freundlich,Langmuir and D-R isotherm expressions

The sorption of Fe(III) at low pH range from 1 to 4.5 on open cell polyether type HTTA-loaded polyurethane foam has been carried out using batch technique. The optimum shaking time for 2.5· 10^–4M solution of Fe(III) was found to be 30 minutes. The concept of macropore and micropore nature of polyurethane foam sorbent offers unique advantages of adsorption. Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms are followed at low concentration range from 1·10^–4 to 3·10^–4M solution of Fe(III). The Freundlich constant (1/n=0.46±0.013 andK=9.16±1.39 mg·g^–1) and Langmuir isotherm constants(M=21.78 mg·g^–1 andb=88.41±9.731·g^–1) were established. The sorption mean free energyE=12.22±0.09 kJ·mol^–1 and loading capacityC _m =145.21±6.1 mg·g^–1 were evaluated using Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm, which suggested that the adsorption mechanism was chemisorption.     

Adsorption behaviour of microamounts of cesium on manganese dioxide

The adsorption of cesium on manganese dioxide from aqueous solutions has been studied in relation to pertinent variables such as shaking time, pH, composition of aqueous solutions, mass of adsorbent (10 mg–1 g) and concentration of adsorbate (10^–6–5·10^–3 M), using a radiotracer technique. The influence of various anions and cations on cesium adsorption was examined. The distribution coefficient of a variety of other elements was determined under similar conditions. The adsorption of cesium obeys a Freundlich-type isotherm over the entire concentration range investigated, whereas the Langmuir-type isotherm is followed only at moderate concentrations.     

Preparation and characterization of potassium copper nickel hexacyanoferrate(II) as an ion exchanger for cesium

Potassium copper nickel hexacyanoferrate(II) [KCNF] was prepared by treating potassium nickel hexacyanoferrate(II) with copper nitrate solution in 0.1M HNO₃. The resulting material was dried at various temperatures. Chemical analysis, i.r., thermal decomposition and surface property measurements were used to characterize the material. The adsorption of cesium from aqueous solutions on KCNF was investigated and optimized as a function of equilibration time and pH. The material dried at 110°C was found to be fairly stable in dilute acids, salt solutions, high doses of gamma-radiation and at high temperature. It also showed better surface properties and a high value of ion exchange capacity (2.25 mmol·g^–1) for cesium.     

Influences of salt concentration,loading and pH on strontium adsorption

The adsorption of Sr on clay which contains zeolites and montmorillonite mixtures was investigated in solutions of NaCl by means of a batch technique. Sr retention was reduced with increasing NaCl concentration from 5·10^–4 to 5·10^–1M. Distribution coefficients (K _d ) linearly increased with pH in the acidic region but they were almost independent of pH in neutral and alkaline solutions. By fitting the data of the Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm, the mean energies of adsorption and adsorption capacities of Sr at different pH values were calculated. The results showed that the mode of adsorption below pH 4.5 is ion exchange, while above that value a multilayer adsorption occurs. Adsorption data were fitted to the Freundlich isotherm and from empirical Freundlich parameters a site distribution function was calculated.     

Cesium sorption on mylonite

As part of the laboratory support program for the field migration experiment at the Grimsel Test Site (GTS) in the Swiss Alps, the sorption behaviour of cesium on Grimsel mylonite was studied. Batch sorption experiments were carried out in N₂ atmosphere (<3 ppm O₂). The adsorption isotherms were reversible and non-linear for cesium concentrations of between 3.2·10^–8 and 5.0·10^–4M. Two different sites appear to be involved in sorption depending on whether Cs loading was high (10^–6–10^–3 meq/g) or low (10^–7–10^–6 meq/g). At low Cs loadings adsorption was considered to occur mainly at the crystal edges of mica particles. Selectivity coefficients for exchange between cesium and potassium were calculated for different Cs loadings. It was suggestd that by varying the potassium concentration of the solution and by making some assumptions, a K_d value for cesium at the migration site could be estimated. Data were fitted to both Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherms. The empirical Freundlich parameters enabled a site distribution function to be calculated and a mean energy of sorption of about 12 kJ/mol was found using Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherms approach.     

Efficiency of succinylated-olive stone biosorbent on the removal of cadmium ions from aqueous solutions

Chemical functionalization of olive stone wastes with succinate linkers can potentially improve the performance of wastewater treatment technologies via enhanced adsorption and high affinity of the covalently attached succinate groups for heavy metals. In this study, a novel reusable adsorbent material based on agricultural waste has been synthesized by esterifying the lignocellulosic matrix of olive stones with succinic anhydride in toluene under basic conditions. Characterization of the as-prepared material by FTIR and solid-state MAS ¹³C NMR spectroscopies and TGA confirmed that the heterogeneous esterification has proceeded very efficiently to yield the succinylated-olive stone (S–OS). Subsequent alkaline treatment of S–OS with saturated NaHCO₃ aqueous solution led to the resulting sodic material (NaS–OS), which was subjected to batch experiments in order to evaluate its cadmium-removing efficiency from aqueous solutions at realistic concentrations of cadmium found in industrial effluents. The results obtained from the sorption characteristics have revealed that NaS–OS material is highly effective in removing cadmium from aqueous solutions, with a maximum uptake capacity of 200 mg g⁻¹ (1.78 mmol g⁻¹). The Langmuir isotherm model was found to fit adequately the equilibrium isotherm data. Cadmium adsorption occurs rapidly and the adsorption mechanism is a chemical sorption via ionic exchange between the adsorbate and adsorbent. Thermodynamic parameters were also evaluated from the effect of temperature studies. Regenerability of NaS–OS material was ascertained by quantitative desorption of cadmium with 1 M aqueous NaCl and the reusability of the matrix after five repeated cycles led to nearly no attenuation in its performance (less than 2% in the sorption capacity), indicating that repeated use of NaS–OS is quite feasible. Compared to other low-cost adsorbents utilized for the removal of Cd(II) from water/wastewater, NaS–OS shows higher sorption capacity. These results have important implications for the design of low-cost adsorbents based on agricultural wastes.     

Sorption of radiocesium on soils in the presence of electrolytes

The influence of background electrolytes (KCl, NH₄Cl, CTABr) in different concentrations on the sorption ability of radiocesium by measuring the distribution coefficient has been studied. Sorption isotherms of cesium for characterization of soil sorption ability were used. Sorption of cesium depends on its concentration and at least three different sorption sites are active in the sorption process. In the case of low cesium concentration, two very selective sites with high distribution coefficients are responsible for the sorption. With increasing cesium concentration in the aqueous phase, distribution coefficient is decreasing. Frayed edge sites of illite in soil and exchangeable potassium are probably responsible for nonlinear isotherms at low cesium concentrations. From sorption isotherms and determination of potassium by activation analysis, it was found that the capacity of very selective sites for different concentrations of background electrolyte was up to 7 mmol·kg^–1.     

Precipitation separation of strontium and calcium from acidic solutions using crown ether and tungstosilicic acid

Strontium forms a compound of composition (SrL)₂A·nH₂O with low solubility (5.0·10^–6 mol Sr·dm^–3) in the presence of 18-crown-6 (L) and tungstosilicic acid (H₄A) in acid media, as has been found by radiometric precipitation titration. Formation of the compound with limited solubility was used for separation of strontium and calcium from 1 mol·dm^–3 HCl. It is possible to separate strontium in the range from trace to 6 mmol·dm^–3 in the presence of calcium with its concentration up to 0.2 mol ·dm^–3 and the recovery determined was 95% of Sr and 5% Ca or 90% of Sr and 4% Ca, respectively. The ratio of Sr/Ca depends on the stability constants ratio of metal-L (⊃_SR/⊃_ca) in the case of gradual addition of L. Potassium up to the concentration of 0.05 mol·dm^–3 does not influence recovery of strontium.     

Sorption of hafnium on hydrous titanium oxide using radiotracer technique

The sorption of hafnium on hydrous titanium oxide (TiO₂·1.94 H₂O) has been studied in detail. Maximum sorption of hafnium can be achieved from a pH 7 buffer solution containing boric acid and sodium hydroxide using 50 mg of the oxide after 30 minutes shaking. The value ofk _d, the rate constant of intraparticle transport for hafnium sorption, from 0.01M hydrochloric and perchloric acid and pH 7 buffer solutions has been found to be 17 mmole·g^–1·min^–2. The kinetics of hafnium sorption follows Lagergren equation in 0.01M HCl solution only. The values of the overall rate constantK=6.33·10^–2 min^–1 and of the rate constant for sorptionk ₁=6.32·10^–2 min^–1 and desorptionk ₂=2.28·10^–5 min^–1 have been evaluated using linear regression analysis. The value of correlation factor() is 0.9824. The influence of hafnium concentration on its sorption has been examined from 4.55·10^–5 to 9.01·10^–4 M from pH 7 buffer solution. The sorption data followed only the Langmuir sorption isotherm. The saturation capacity of 9.52 mmole·g^–1 and of a constant related to sorption energy have been estimated to be 2917 dm³·mole^–1. Among all the additional anions and cations tested only citrate ions reduce the sorption significantly. Under optimal experimental conditions selected for hafnium sorption, As(III), Sn(V), Co(II), Se(IV) and Eu(III) have shown higher sorption whereas Mn(II), Ag(I) and Sc(III) are sorbed to a lesser extent. It can be concluded that a titanium oxide bed can be used for the preconcentration and removal of hafnium and other metal ions showing higher sorption from their very dilute solutions. The oxide can also be employed for the decontamination of radioactive liquid waste and for pollution abatement studies.     

Sorption of europium on zirconium oxide from aqueous solutions

Sorption of europium on zirconium oxide has been studies as a function of shaking time, concentration and nature of electrolyte. The effect of initial europium concentration and the amount of adsorbent has been investigated in the range from 6.6·10^–10 to 6.6·10^–8 mol·dm^–3 and between 10 to 200 mg of the oxide. Maximum sorption (>99.8%) from pH 10 buffer and low sorption (<3%) was observed from 0.01 mol·dm^–3 nitric or perchloric acid solution. Citrate, sulfate, EDTA and carbonate reduced the sorption significantly. Under optimal conditions Ag(I), Cs(I), Tc(VII), Sb(V), Cu(II), Nd(III), Fe(III), and especially Nd and Fe showed low distribution coefficients. The data followed both Dubinin-Radushkevich and Langmuir-type isotherms. The mean free energy, of sorption was evaluated to be 10.1 kJ mol^–1 and the sorption capacity was found to be 22.2 mmol g^–1, using the Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm.     

Adsorption of traces of hafnium on manganese dioxide from acid solutions

Adsorption of hafnium on manganese dioxide from nitric and perchloric acid solutions has been studied and optimized with respect to shaking time, concentration of acid, oxide and metal. Maximum adsorption has been noticed from 0.1 mol · dm^–3 acid solutions in 20 minutes around 10^–5 mol · dm^–3 hafnium concentration. The adsorption of hafnium follows a Freundlich adsorption isotherm. Oxalate, thiosulfate, Na(I) and Al(III) from nitric acid and K(I) and Zn(II) from perchloric acid increase the adsorption, whereas all other anions and cations tested reduce the adsorption from both media Fe(III) and Sn(IV) significantly. Zn(II) and Co(II) show low adsorption affinity.     

A kinetic study of methane conversion by a dinitrogen microwave plasma

Conversion of CH₄ with a N₂ microwave plasma (2.45 GHz) is studied. The experiments cover the absorbed microwave power range 300–700 W with 17–62% of methane in the gas mixture, with pressures of 10–40 mbar and flow rates of 140–650 ml· min^–1. The yields of C₂ hydrocarbons and dihydrogen are analyzed by gas chromatography. The distance of methane addition downstream of the plasma plays an important role on the composition and the concentration of the products obtained. This distance mainly determines the energy concentrated in the active species of the plasma when they react with methane. Different behaviors for acetylene formation, on the one hand, and for ethane and ethene formation, on the other hand, have been observed, and this finding allows us to propose a kinetic mechanism for the decay of methane and for the formation of C₂ hydrocarbons.     

FTIR Studies of the Adsorption of Acetic Acid on Silicas

A range of cesium doped silica samples (0.15 – 0.90 mmol g^–1) have been characterized using a combination of deuterium exchange and adsorption of acetic acid. FTIR results show a strong correlation between the carboxylate formation on acetic acid adsorption and catalyst activity. Cesium loadings of > 0.3 mmol g^–1 do not give any increased acetic acid adsorption, suggesting a saturation of the silica exchange capacity. Deuterium exchange studies demonstrate that 35% of the surface silanol groups on the fresh silica are rapidly exchanged with deuterated water at room temperature.     

Adsorption of Strontium on Illite

Adsorption of strontium on illite type clay has been studied as a function of shaking time, the ratio of solution volume to weight of clay and the concentration of adsorbate, using ⁹⁰Sr as a tracer. The adsorption experiments were carried out using the batch method and initial Sr²⁺ ion concentrations ranged from 10^–6 to 10^–1 M. The influence of Ca²⁺ and Ba²⁺ cations on Sr adsorption were also studied. These effects are correlated with the ionic radii of alkaline earth ions present in the solution. The Freundlich and Dubinin Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm have been applied to the data and the parameters of the isotherm equations were calculated. The mean energy of adsorption, E was also calculated from the adsorption energy constant, K and maximum capacity X _m values were determined from linearized D-R equation. From empirical Freundlich parameters a site distribution function was calculated.     

Sorption of U(VI) on granite

The sorption-desorption of uranium (VI) on Grimsel granite of Switzerland was studied under oxidizing conditions with an initial uranium concentration range of between 9.7·10^–7 and 4.5·10^–4M, using a batch technique. The sorption coefficients varied between 8.0 and 0.4 ml/g and sorption was not fully reversible. The data could be fitted to a Freundlich isotherm. By fitting the data with the Dubinin-Radushkevich equation, a mean energy of sorption of 10.7 kJ/mol was calculated, which corresponds to the energy of ion exchange reactions. The kinetic data could be interpreted by assuming diffusion into the crushed granite particles. The calculated pore diffusion coefficient was between 2.0·10^–11–7.7·10^–11 m²/s.     

Atomic absorption spectroscopic determination of molybdenum in aqueous tetrathiomolybdate solutions

The flame atomic absorption spectroscopic determination of molybdenum, in aqueous solutions of tetrathiomolybdate (MoS ₄ ^2– , TTM) and paramolybdate species (Mo₇O ₂₄ ^2– , PM) has been investigated. A serious signal decrease occurred, if molybdenum has been present as tetrathiomolybdate species, and the sensitivity loss has been 85%. To improve the sensitivity, the solutions of TTM have been digested by wet-acid treatment, and made 0.14 mol·l^–1 ammonia. Finally, Mo has been determined by AAS using a nitrous oxide-acetylene flame. The range of the calibration was 0–100 mg·l^–1 and the relative standard deviation of the slope was less than 1%.Dedicated to Professor Dr. Dieter Klockow on the occasion of his 60th birthday     

Glutaraldehyde cross-linked epoxyaminated chitosan as an adsorbent for the removal and recovery of copper(II) from aqueous media

A novel glutaraldehyde cross-linked epoxyaminated chitosan (GA-C-ENCS) prepared through chemical modification was used as an adsorbent for the removal and recovery of Cu(II) from aqueous media. The adsorbent was characterized by FTIR, SEM-EDS, ESR, TG/DTG, BET-surface area and potentiometric titration. The Cu(II) adsorption process, which was pH dependent showed maximum removal at pH 6.0. Adsorption equilibrium was achieved within 3 h. The adsorption of Cu(II) followed a reversible-first-order kinetics. The equilibrium data were evaluated using the Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models. The best interpretation for the equilibrium data was given by the Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm. The adsorption capacity of the adsorbent increased from 3.11 to 3.71 mmol g⁻¹ when the temperature was increased from 20 to 50 °C. The complete removal of 20.7 mg L⁻¹ Cu(II) from electroplating industry wastewater was achieved by 0.4 g L⁻¹ GA-C-ENCS. Regeneration experiments were tried for four cycles and the results indicate a capacity loss of <7.0%.     

Specific adsorption of cesium on silica-titania

The amphoteric nature of hydrous silica-titania gel and its sorption behaviour towards cesium were studied. In NaNO₃ solution, the point of zero change (pH_pzc) of the gel was found to be 4.22 by pH-titration. The fraction of protonated, deprotonated and neutral surface hydroxyl groups as a function of pH have been computed. Sorption of cesium increased with the increase of pH, reached maximum at a pH of 7 followed by a plateau. Significant uptake of cesium was observed even when the pH was less than pH_pzc. Nearly 70% sorption was observed at pH_pzc. The free energy of specific adsorption was found to be –18.7 kJ·mol^–1.     

Investigation of adsorption behaviour of mercury in microamounts on manganese dioxide from aqueous solutions

Adsorption of mercury onto manganese dioxide was studied in relation to the concentrations of electrolyte, adsorbent and adsorbate and foreign ions. Adsorption of other metal ions under similar conditions was also measured. Adsorption decreases with increasing electrolyte concentration. Thiosulfate, thiocyanate, iodide and all cations tested suppress the adsorption; the greater the ionic potential of cation, the weaker the adsorption of mercury. Adsorption follows the Freundlich-type isotherm over a wide range of mercury concentration (10^–7–10^–8 g·ml^–1). 98% of the adsorbed mercury can be eluted from the oxide column with 60 ml of 3M nitric acid solution.     

Kinetic study of Cr(VI) sorption on MnO2

The kinetics of adsorption of chromate ions has been investigated radiometrically over a wide range of concentration of chromate ions (10^–6–10^–2M) and temperature (303–323 K). The kinetics of the process follows essentially a first order rate law with respect to adsorptive concentration and obeys the Freundlich adsorption isotherm in the concentration range studied. In addition, the kinetics of desorption of the preadsorbed species also follows a first order rate law and the activation energy for desorption is greater than that of the adsorption process. On the basis of an adsorption kinetic study, the thermodynamic parameters have been calculated. Infrared spectroscopy has shown the chemical interaction of chromate ions on the surface of MnO₂.