Carbonized medlar-core particles as a new biosorbent for removal of Cu(2+) from aqueous solution and study of its surface morphology.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the use of carbonized medlar-core particles as a new biosorbent to remove Cu(2+) from aqueous solution. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the biosorbent. This paper reports the effects of adsorbent dose, pH, temperature and concentration of adsorbate. Batch isotherm studies were also performed to understand the ability of the adsorbent. The adsorption behavior of the Cu(2+) was studied using Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacity determined from the Langmuir adsorption equation has been found as 43.478 mg.g(-1) at 298.15 K. The adsorption of Cu(2+) by medlar core in carbonized form was spontaneous and endothermic. It was also found that the biosorption of Cu(2+) followed second-order kinetics. Carbonized medlar-core particles showed great potential in aqueous solution due to the high adsorption capacity.