Removal of Cd2+ ions from aqueous solution using cassava starch–based superabsorbent polymers

A comprehensive feasibility study on the adsorption of Cd²⁺ ions by cassava starch–based superabsorbent polymers (CST‐SAPs) as the biosorbent was investigated as a function of adsorbent dosage, pH, initial concentration, contact time, and temperature. An orthogonal experiment and range analysis were applied to optimize the adsorption conditions. Adsorbent dosage and initial concentration were the most sensitive variables for adsorption capacity. The maximum adsorption value of Cd²⁺ ions was determined as 347.46 mg/g at pH 6.0, initial concentration of 200 mg/L, and contact temperature and time of 323 K and 6 h, respectively, with 0.1 g adsorbent dosage. The equilibrium data were well described by a Langmuir model, and the adsorption process was well fitted by pseudo‐second‐order kinetics. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) data confirmed that acrylic acid and acrylic amide grafted onto the cassava starch. The X‐ray diffraction and FTIR results for the Cd²⁺‐absorbed CST‐SAP (CST‐SAP‐Cd²⁺) samples showed that the CST‐SAP could effectively adsorb Cd²⁺ ions and that the characteristic groups were translocated by chelation. The scanning electron microscopy results for the CST‐SAP revealed that the surface of the polymer was rough, and the layered structure that was full of folds caused an enhanced specific surface; such conditions were beneficial to Cd²⁺ ion adsorption. It was concluded that the CST‐SAP was an excellent adsorbent for Cd²⁺ ion removal from aqueous solution. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44758.