Adsorption performance of Al-pillared bentonite clay for the removal of cobalt(II) from aqueous phase

In this research, the natural bentonite clay collected from Ashapura Clay Mines, Gujarat State, India, was utilized as a precursor to produce aluminium-pillared bentonite clay (Al-PILC) for the removal of cobalt(II) [Co(II)] ions from aqueous solutions. The original bentonite clay and Al-PILC were characterized with the help of chemical analyses, methylene blue (MB) adsorption isotherm, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectroscopy (IR), while the thermal stability of the samples were studied using thermogravimetry (TG). Surface charge density of the samples as a function of pH was investigated using potentiometric titrations. Adsorption experiments were conducted under various conditions, i.e., pH, contact time, initial concentration, ionic strength, adsorbent dose and temperature. The most effective pH range for the removal of Co(II) ions was found to be 6.0–8.0. The maximum adsorption of 99.8% and 87.0% took place at pH 6.0 from an initial concentration of 10.0 and 25.0 mg l⁻¹, respectively. Kinetic studies showed that an equilibrium time of 24 h was needed for the adsorption of Co(II) ions on Al-PILC and the experimental data were correlated by either the external mass transfer diffusion model for the first stage of adsorption and the intraparticle mass transfer diffusion model for the second stage of adsorption. The intraparticle mass transfer diffusion model gave a better fit to the experimental data. The Arrhenius and Eyring equations were applied to the data to determine the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for explaining the theoretical behaviour of the adsorption process. The equilibrium isotherm data were analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich and Scatchard isotherm equations and the adsorption process was reflected by Freundlich isotherm. The efficiency of the Al-PILC was assessed by comparing the results with those on a commercial ion exchanger, Ceralite IRC-50. The suitability of the Al-PILC for treating Co(II) solutions was tested using simulated nuclear power plant coolant samples. Acid regeneration was tried for several cycles with a view to recover the adsorbed Co(II) and also to restore the adsorbent to its original state.     

Adsorption isotherms,kinetic, and desorption studies on removal of toxic metal ions from aqueous solutions by polymeric adsorbent

Adsorption of Cd(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) on aminopyridine modified poly(styrene‐alt‐maleic anhydride) crosslinked by 1,2‐diaminoethane as an ion exchange resin has been investigated in aqueous solution. Adsorption behavior of these metal ions on the resin was studied by varying the parameters such as pH (2–6), adsorbent dose (0–4.0 g/L), contact time (0–240 min), and metal ions concentration (20–300 mg/L). Adsorption percentage was increased by increasing each of these parameters. The isotherm models such as: Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich were used to describe adsorption equilibrium. The results showed that the best fit was achieved with the Langmuir isotherm equation, yielding maximum adsorption capacities of 81.30, 49.02, and 76.92 mg/g for Cd(II), Co(II), and Ni(II), respectively. The pseudo‐first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order, and intra‐particle diffusion kinetics equations were used for modeling of adsorption data and it was shown that pseudo‐second‐order kinetic equation could best describe the adsorption kinetics. The intra‐particle diffusion study revealed that external diffusion might be involved in this case. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41642.     

Adsorption of Cr(III), Ni(II), Zn(II), Co(II) ions onto phenolated wood resin

In this study, phenolated wood resin was used an adsorbent for the removal of Cr(III), Ni(II), Zn(II), Co(II) ions by adsorption from aqueous solution. The adsorption of metal ions from solution was carried at different contact times, concentrations and pHs at room temperature (25°C). For individual metal ion, the amount of metal ions adsorbed per unit weight of phenolated wood resin at equilibrium time increased with increasing concentration and pH. Also, when the amounts of metal ions adsorbed are compared to each other, it was seen that this increase was order of Cr(III) > Ni(II) > Zn(II) > Co(II). This increase was order of Cr(III) > Ni(II) > Co(II) > Zn(II) for commercial phenol–formaldehyde resin. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption process obeyed the intraparticle diffusion model. It was also determined that adsorption isotherm followed Langmuir and Freundlich models. Adsorption isotherm obtained for commercial phenol–formaldehyde resin was consistent with Freundlich model well. Adsorption capacities from Langmuir isotherm for commercial phenol–formaldehyde resin were higher than those of phenolated wood resin, in the case of individual metal ions. Original adsorption isotherm demonstrated the monolayer coverage of the surface of phenolated wood resin. Adsorption kinetic followed the intraparticle diffusion model. The positive values of ΔG° determined using the equilibrium constants showed that the adsorption was not of spontaneous nature. It was seen that values of distribution coefficient (K_D) decreasing with metal ion concentration in solution at equilibrium (C_e) indicated that the occupation of active surface sites of adsorbent increased with metal ions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 2838–2846, 2006     

Adsorption characterization of lead(II) and cadmium(II) on crosslinked carboxymethyl starch

The adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions with crosslinked carboxymethyl starch (CCS) was investigated as function of the solution pH, contact time, initial metal‐ion concentration, and temperature. Isotherm studies revealed that the adsorption of metal ions onto CCS better followed the Langmuir isotherm and the Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm with adsorption maximum capacities of about 80.0 and 47.0 mg/g for Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions, respectively. The mean free energies of adsorption were found to be between 8 and 16 kJ/mol for Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions; this suggested that the adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions onto CCS occurred with an ion‐exchange process. For two‐target heavy‐metal ion adsorption, a pseudo‐second‐order model and intraparticle diffusion seem significant in the rate‐controlling step, but the pseudo‐second‐order chemical reaction kinetics provide the best correlation for the experimental data. The enthalpy change for the process was found to be exothermic, and the ΔS^θ values were calculated to be negative for the adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions onto CCS. Negative free enthalpy change values indicated that the adsorption process was feasible. The studies of the kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamics indicated that the adsorption of CCS was more effective for Pb(II) ions than for Cd(II) ions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Comparison of Cr(VI) Adsorption Using Synthetic Schwertmannite Obtained by Fe3+ Hydrolysis and Fe2+ Oxidation: Kinetics,Isotherms and Adsorption Mechanism

Good sorption properties and simple synthesis route make schwertmannite an increasingly popular adsorbent. In this work, the adsorption properties of synthetic schwertmannite towards Cr(VI) were investigated. This study aimed to compare the properties and sorption performance of adsorbents obtained by two methods: Fe³⁺ hydrolysis (SCH_A) and Fe²⁺ oxidation (SCH_B). To characterise the sorbents before and after Cr(VI) adsorption, specific surface area, particle size distribution, density, and zeta potential were determined. Additionally, optical micrographs, SEM, and FTIR analyses were performed. Adsorption experiments were performed in varying process conditions: pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and initial concentration. Adsorption isotherms were fitted by Freundlich, Langmuir, and Temkin models. Pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, intraparticle diffusion, and liquid film diffusion models were used to fit the kinetics data. Linear regression was used to estimate the parameters of isotherm and kinetic models. The maximum adsorption capacity resulting from the fitted Langmuir isotherm is 42.97 and 17.54 mg·g⁻¹ for SCH_A and SCH_B. Results show that the adsorption kinetics follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Both iron-based adsorbents are suitable for removing Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solutions. Characterisation of the adsorbents after adsorption suggests that Cr(VI) adsorption can be mainly attributed to ion exchange with SO₄²⁻ groups.     

Removal of divalent nickel from aqueous solution using blue-green marine algae: adsorption modeling and applicability of various isotherm models

Adsorption of Ni(II) onto blue-green marine algae (BGMA) is investigated under batch condition. Under optimum experimental conditions, the initial Ni(II) metal ion concentration is varied from 25 to 250 ppm and the maximum adsorption capacity of BGMA is found to be 42.056 mg/g. The optimum pH, biomass loading, and an agitation rate on maximum removal of Cu(II) ion are found to be 6, 2 g, and 120 rpm, respectively. 24 h of contact time is allowed to achieve equilibrium condition. All the experiments are carried out at room temperature. The equilibrium experimental data infer that the isotherm is L-shaped. It is the indication of no strong competition between solvent and Ni(II) to occupy the active sites of BGMA. Also, it indicates that the BGMA has a limited sorption capacity for adsorption of Ni(II). The experimental data are tested with various isotherm models; subsequently, the mechanism of adsorption is identified and the characteristic parameters for process design are established. Fritz–Schlunder-V isotherm model is highly significant in establishing the mechanism of adsorption of Ni(II) under the conditions employed in this investigation followed by Freundlich. The q_max of 41.89 mg/g obtained by this model indicates its relevance more precisely with experimental data.     

Characterization of Ag(I), Co(II) and Cu(II) removal process from aqueous solutions using dolomite powder

Dolomite, a natural adsorbent, was used for removal of Ag(I), Cu(II) and Co(II) from aqueous solutions. Adsorption parameters including pH, temperature and contact time have been investigated to obtain adsorption mechanism. The results of experiments showed that adsorption of the metal ions increased by increasing pH values up to 5.5. The adsorption process was initially fast. Equilibrium isotherm data were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models. Maximum adsorption capacity of Ag(I), Cu(II) and Co(II) was 1.34, 1.63 and 2.84 mg/g at 20 oC, respectively. Kinetic models including Lagergren first-order and pseudo-second-order were used to test kinetic data. The results showed that pseudo-second-order has good agreement with experimental data. Thermodynamic parameters of the process were also investigated at different temperatures. The negative values of Gibbs free energy and enthalpy changes for Ag(I), Cu(II) and Co(II) indicated the spontaneous and exothermic nature of the adsorption process.     

Removal of Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions by starch-graft-acrylic acid/montmorillonite superabsorbent nanocomposite hydrogels

In this study, the removal of copper(II) and lead(II) ions from aqueous solutions by Starch-graft-acrylic acid/montmorillonite (S-g-AA/MMT) nanocomposite hydrogels was investigated. For this purpose, various factors affecting the removal of heavy metal ions, such as treatment time with the solution, initial pH of the solution, initial metal ion concentration, and MMT content were investigated. The metal ion removal capacities of copolymers increased with increasing pH, and pH 4 was found to be the optimal pH value for maximum metal removal capacity. Adsorption data of the nanocomposite hydrogels were modeled by the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation in order to investigate heavy metal ions adsorption mechanism. The observed affinity order in competitive removal of heavy metals was found Cu²⁺ > Pb²⁺. The Freundlich equations were used to fit the equilibrium isotherms. The Freundlich adsorption law was applicable to be adsorption of metal ions onto nanocomposite hydrogel.     

Adsorption of Ni(II) on ion exchange resin: Kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamic studies

This article describes the ion exchange of a heavy metal Ni(II) from aqueous solutions onto a Dowex HCR-S, cationic resin. Batch adsorption studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of various parameters such as pH, resin dose, stirring speed, temperature, contact time and initial Ni(II) concentration on the removal of Ni(II). Adsorption rate increased with the increase in initial nickel concentration, stirring speed and temperature. Equilibrium adsorption isotherms were measured for the single component system, and the experimental data were analyzed by using Langmuir, Freundlich, Elovich, Temkin, Khan, Sips, Toth, Koble-Corrigan and Radke-Prausnitz isotherm equations. The Sips equation appears to fit the equilibrium data. Different models were tested for their applicability. Adsorption kinetic data were modeled using the Lagergren pseudo-first-order, Ho??s pseudo-second-order and Elovich models. It was found that Ho??s pseudo-second-order model could be used for the prediction of the system??s kinetics. Thermodynamic activation parameters such as ??G*, ??S* and ??H* of the adsorption of Ni(II) on Dowex HCR-S cationic resin were also calculated.     

Investigation of zinc(II) adsorption on Cladophora crispata in a two‐staged reactor

In this study, the adsorption of zinc(II) ions on Cladophora crispata, a green alga, was studied with respect to initial pH, temperature, initial metal ion and biomass concentration in order to determine the optimum adsorption conditions. Optimum initial pH values for zinc(II) ions were found to be 5.0 at optimum temperature, 25 °C. The initial adsorption rates increased with increasing initial zinc(II) ion concentration up to 100 mgdm⁻³. The Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms were developed at various initial pH and temperature values. Then, the adsorption of zinc(II) ions to C crispata was investigated in a two‐staged mixed batch reactor. The residual metal ion concentrations (C_eq) at equilibrium at each stage for a given quantity of dried algae (X_o)/volume of solution containing heavy metal ion (V_o) ratio were calculated by using Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm constants. It was observed that the experimental biosorption equilibrium data for zinc(II) ions are in good agreement with those calculated using both Freundlich and Langmuir models. The adsorbed zinc(II) ion concentration increased with increasing X_o/V_o ratios while the adsorbed metal quantities per unit mass of dried algae decreased. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Adsorption of Divalent Cobalt from Aqueous Solution onto Chitosan–Coated Perlite Beads as Biosorbent

Abstract

Chitosan coated perlite beads are prepared by drop‐wise addition of a liquid slurry containing chitosan and perlite to an alkaline bath. The resulting beads are characterized using FTIR, SEM, EDXRF, and Surface area analysis and the chitosan content of the beads is 23% as determined by a pyrolysis method. Adsorption of Co (II) metal ions from aqueous solution on chitosan coated perlite beads is studied under both equilibrium and dynamic conditions. In the present investigation, a first order reversible rate equation is used to understand the kinetics of metal removal and to calculate the rate constants at different initial concentrations. The equilibrium characteristics of metal ion on newly developed biosorbent are studied and the experimental adsorption data are well fitted to Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherm models and the model parameters are evaluated. The effect of pH, agitation time, concentration of adsorbate, and amount of adsorbent on the extent of the adsorption are investigated. The sorbent loaded with metal is regenerated with 0.10 mol dm^?3 sodium hydroxide solution. The adsorption desorption cycles indicated that the chitosan coated perlite could be regenerated and reused to remove Co (II) from waste water.     

Ghezeljeh nanoclay as a new natural adsorbent for the removal of copper and mercury ions:Equilibrium,kinetics and thermodynamics studies

Heavy metal determination was carried out by applying the solid phase extraction (SPE) method in batch mode followed by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrosco-py (ICP-AES) from aqueous solutions using Ghezeljeh montmoril onite nanoclay as a new natural adsorbent. The Ghezeljeh clay is characterized by using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Mi-croscopy–Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (SEM–EDS) and X-ray Diffractometry (XRD) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). The results of XRD and FT-IR of nanoclay confirm that montmoril onite is the dominant mineral phase. Based on SEM images of Ghezeljeh clay, it can be seen that the distance between the plates is Nano. The effects of varying parameters such as initial concentration of metal ions, pH and type of buffer solutions, amount of ad-sorbent, contact time, and temperature on the adsorption process were examined. The effect of various interfer-ing ions was studied. The adsorption data correlated with Freundlich, Langmuir, Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R), and Temkin isotherms. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms showed the best fit to the equilibrium data for Hg(I ), but the equilibrium nature of Cu(II) adsorption has been described by the Langmuir isotherm. The kinetic data were described with pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and double-exponential models. The adsorp-tion process follows a pseudo-second-order reaction scheme. Calculation ofΔG0,ΔH0 andΔS0 showed that the nature of Hg(II) ion sorption onto the Ghezeljeh nanoclay was endothermic and was favored at higher temper-ature, and the nature of Cu(II) ion sorption was exothermic and was favored at lower temperature.     

Removal of Zinc (II) Ions from Aqueous Solutions Using Surfactant Modified Bamboo Sawdust

The present study explores the ability of surfactant modified bamboo sawdust in removing zinc (II) ions from aqueous solutions. The modified bamboo sawdust is characterized by surface area analysis, Scanning Electron Microscope, and Fourier Transform Infrared and X-ray fluorescence analysis. Adsorption isotherm and kinetic models were used to study the adsorption characteristics of zinc (II) ions onto modified bamboo sawdust. The equilibrium adsorption isotherm data were fitted into the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. It was found that modified bamboo sawdust yielded maximum adsorption capacity of 111.12 mg/g at 50°C for zinc (II) ions. The kinetic data obtained at different initial concentrations were analyzed using first-order-reversible reaction, pseudo-first-order, and pseudo-second-order models. The results provide strong evidence to support the hypothesis of adsorption mechanism.     

Hydrogels with Acid Groups for Removal of Copper(II) and Lead(II) Ions

Acrylamide-maleic acid (AAM-MA) hydrogels having high acid group content prepared with different maleic acid ratios were used for the removal of Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions in competitive and noncompetitive conditions. The effects of pH, time, and initial metal ion concentration on the metal ion adsorption capacity were investigated. The adsorption isotherm models were applied on experimental data and it is shown that the Freundlich equation was the best model for Cu(II) ion while the Langmuir isotherm model was the best one for Pb(II) ion. The stability constants of acrylamide-maleic acid hydrogel-Cu(II) and Pb(II) complexes were also determined by van den Berg/Ruzic transformation, and K values obtained were 1.60 × 10³ and 1.81 × 10³ for Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions, respectively. The experiments under competitive conditions showed that the hydrogels prefered Pb(II) ion and this preference increased with increasing of carboxylic acid group content (AGC) of polymers. It is stated that these hydrogels can be regenerated efficiently (>95%) and used repeatedly.     

Predicting the dynamics and performance of a polymer–clay based composite in a fixed bed system for the removal of lead (II) ion

A polymer–clay based composite adsorbent was prepared from locally obtained kaolinite clay and polyvinyl alcohol. The composite adsorbent was used to remove lead (II) ions from aqueous solution in a fixed bed mode. The increase in bed height and initial metal ion concentration increased the adsorption capacity of lead (II) and the volume of aqueous solution treated at 50% breakthrough. However, the adsorption capacity was reduced by almost 16.5% with the simultaneous presence of Ca²⁺/Pb²⁺ and Na⁺/Pb²⁺ in the aqueous solution. Regeneration of the adsorbent with 0.1 M of HCl also reduced its adsorption capacity to 75.1%. Adsorption of lead (II) ions onto the polymer–clay composite adsorbent in the presence of Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ electrolyte increased the rate of mass transfer, probably due to competition between cationic species in solution for adsorption sites. Regeneration further increased the rate of mass transfer as a result of reduced adsorption sites after the regeneration process. The length of the mass transfer zone was found to increase with increasing bed height but did not change with increasing the initial metal ion concentration. The models of Yoon–Nelson, Thomas, and Clark were found to give good fit to adsorption data. On the other hand, Bohart–Adams model was found to be a poor predictor for the column operation. The polymer–clay composite adsorbent has a good potential for the removal of lead (II) ions from highly polluted aqueous solutions.     

Removal of nickel from aqueous solutions by citric acid modified Ceiba pentandra hulls: Equilibrium and kinetic studies

The removal of Ni(II) from aqueous solutions using biomass prepared from Ceiba pentandra hulls powder modified with citric acid treatment (CAMCPH) has been studied by batch method. The biosorbent was characterised before and after citric acid modification using SEM, FT‐IR and XRD. Experimental parameters that influence the biosorption of Ni(II), such as pH, biosorbent dose, contact time and initial concentration of metal ion have been investigated. The adsorption of Ni(II) increased with increase in contact time and reached equilibrium within 50 min. The maximum removal of Ni(II) was observed at pH 5.0. The kinetic data were analysed using three adsorption kinetic models: the pseudo‐first, second‐order kinetics and intra‐particle diffusion. The results showed that the pseudo‐second‐order model fits the experimental data very well. The equilibrium data were analysed using Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models. Langmuir model provided the best correlation for the adsorption of Ni(II) by CAMCPH and the monolayer biosorption capacity for Ni(II) removal was 34.34 mg/g. Desorption experiments were carried out using HCl solution and the recovery of the metal ion from CAMCPH was found 98%. Desorption experiments showed the feasibility of regeneration of the biosorbent for further use after treating with dilute HCl. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering     

The use of exhausted olive cake ash (EOCA) as a low cost adsorbent for the removal of toxic metal ions from aqueous solutions

The removal characteristics of cadmium (Cd(II)) and nickel (Ni(II)) ions from aqueous solution by exhausted olive cake ash (EOCA) were investigated under various conditions of contact time, pH, initial metal concentration and temperature. Batch kinetic studies showed that an equilibrium time of 2 h was required for the adsorption of Ni(II) and Cd(II) onto EOCA. Equilibrium adsorption is affected by the initial pH (pH₀) of the solution. The pH₀ 6.0 is found to be the optimum for the individual removal of Cd(II) and Ni(II) ions by EOCA. The adsorption test of applying EOCA into synthetic wastewater revealed that the adsorption data of this material for nickel and cadmium ions were better fitted to the Langmuir isotherm since the correlation coefficients for the Langmuir isotherm were higher than that for the Freundlich isotherm. The estimated maximum capacities of nickel and cadmium ions adsorbed by EOCA were 8.38 and 7.32 mg g⁻¹, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters for the adsorption process data were evaluated using Langmuir isotherm. The free energy change (ΔG°) and the enthalpy change (ΔH°) showed that the process was feasible and endothermic respectively. As the exhausted olive cake is discarded as waste from olive processing, the adsorbent derived from this material is expected to be an economical product for metal ion remediation from water and wastewater.     

Adsorption behavior of Cd(II) ions on humic acid-immobilized sodium alginate and hydroxyl ethyl cellulose blending porous composite membrane adsorbent

A novel porous composite adsorbent was prepared by using sodium alginate and hydroxyl ethyl cellulose blending as an immobilization matrix for humic acid, then crosslinked by glutaraldehyde. The adsorbent was prepared using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as porogen and used to remove Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution. The physico-chemistry properties of adsorbent before and after adsorption were investigated by FT-IR, SEM and EDX methods. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of the amount of PEG adding to the adsorbent, solution pH, dosage of adsorbent, initial Cd(II) ions concentration and contact time. The prepared adsorbent exhibited the maximum uptake of 148.9 mg/g under the optimal adsorption condition. Kinetics experiments indicated that the pseudo-first-order model displayed the best correlation with adsorption kinetics data. The Crank model showed that the intraparticle solute diffusion was the rate-controlling adsorption step. Besides, experimental data could be better described by the Freundlich isotherm model. Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm indicated that the adsorption was mainly an ion exchange process. The results suggested that the prepared adsorbent is promising for using as an effective and economical adsorbent for Cd(II) ions removal.     

Removal of Pb2+ from the aqueous solution by tartrate intercalated layered double hydroxides

Adsorption of Pb²⁺ ion by a tartrate intercalated MgAl layered double hydroxides (MgAl-TA LDHs) was studied. The adsorption isotherms and kinetics were investigated as a function of various experimental parameters using batch adsorption experiments. The results indicated that the adsorption isotherm was well described by Sips model. The kinetic adsorption data were fitted well to the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation. The adsorption of Pb²⁺ was controlled mainly by the chemical process combined with intraparticle diffusion. Parameters of adsorption thermodynamic suggested that the interaction of Pb²⁺ adsorbed by MgAl-TA LDHs adsorbents was thermodynamically spontaneous and endothermic.     

Removal of Cd(II), Hg(II), and Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution using p(HEMA/chitosan) membranes

An interpenetration network (IPN) was synthesized from 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and chitosan, p(HEMA/chitosan) via UV‐initiated photo‐polymerization. The selectivity to different heavy metal ions viz Cd(II), Pb(II), and Hg(II) to the IPN membrane has been investigated from aqueous solution using bare pHEMA membrane as a control system. Removal efficiency of metal ions from aqueous solution using the IPN membranes increased with increasing chitosan content and initial metal ions concentrations, and the equilibrium time was reached within 60 min. Adsorption of all the tested heavy metal ions on the IPN membranes was found to be pH dependent and maximum adsorption was obtained at pH 5.0. The maximum adsorption capacities of the IPN membrane for Cd(II), Pb(II), and Hg(II) were 0.063, 0.179, and 0.197 mmol/g membrane, respectively. The adsorption of the Cd(II), Hg(II), and Pb(II) metal ions on the bare pHEMA membrane was not significant. When the heavy metal ions were in competition, the amounts of adsorbed metal ions were found to be 0.035 mmol/g for Cd(II), 0.074 mmol/g for Hg(II), and 0.153 mmol/g for Pb(II), the IPN membrane is significantly selective for Pb(II) ions. The stability constants of IPN membrane–metal ions complexes were calculated by the method of Ruzic. The results obtained from the kinetics and isotherm studies showed that the experimental data for the removal of heavy metal ions were well described with the second‐order kinetic equations and the Langmuir isotherm model. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007