Cobalt(II) removal from aqueous solution by modified polymeric adsorbents prepared with induced-graft polymerization: Batch and continuous column study with analysis of breakthrough behaviors

Abstract

In this study, the radiation grafting polymer adsorbent (PP-g-(AN-co-AAc-H2PO3)) was promptly prepared and exhibited high removal efficiency for cobalt ions. The modified fiber was synthesized with acrylonitrile and acrylic acid monomers, phosphonic acid as a functional group. Kinetics and equilibrium isotherms observation described that batch experimental data followed pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, respectively. The performance of the fixed bed column is investigated by breakthrough curves and four models (Thomos, Yoon–Nelson, Bohart–Adams, and Yan models). The effect of various parameters, such as the initial Co(II) concentration, flow rate of solute, column height, and grafting degree on breakthrough curves have been studied. The results revealed that fabric adsorbent exhibited high adsorption percentage∼99.78% with 125% grafting degree in the batch experiments. In the dynamic adsorption test, the maximum adsorption of fabric adsorbent was obtained at an initial concentration of cobalt∼50 mg/l, column height of 3 cm, and flow rate of 3 ml/min. In the batch state, the change in the degree of bonding did not significantly affect the adsorption of cobalt ions. But, this parameter was an effective parameter in the continuous study. Finally, the fabric adsorbent with a high adsorption performance can potentially remove cobalt ions from wastewater.