Cr(VI) Adsorption Onto Biomass Waste Material-Derived Activated Carbon

Abstract

Activated carbons derived from biomass waste material can be favorable compared to conventional activated carbons with respect to their adsorptive properties, low cost, and renewable sources. Literature about Cr(VI) adsorption onto biomass waste material based activated carbons has been reviewed. Activated carbon derived from peach stone was used for Cr(VI) adsorption from aqueous media. The effects of process parameters like pH, temperature, concentration, and adsorbent amount on Cr(VI) removal were examined with aspect of equilibrium and kinetics. Peach stone based activated carbon showed high Cr(VI) adsorption capacity. Cr(VI) adsorption was strongly pH-dependent and superior at low pH. Freundlich model well expressed Cr(VI) adsorption. Adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo secondorder kinetic model which consists of chemisorption. Possible adsorption mechanism was suggested in three steps: (i) Cr(VI) adsorption onto positively charged groups, (ii) reduction to Cr(III), (iii) adsorption of Cr(III) while a little amount of it releases to the aqueous phase.