Dynamics of adsorption of Ni(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) from aqueous solution onto newly synthesized poly[N-(4-[4-(aminophenyl)methylphenylmethacrylamide])

Abstract

In the present work poly[N-(4-[4-(aminophenyl)methylphenylmethacrylamide])] (PAMMAm) was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), elemental analysis and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). The synthesized material was tested for the removal of nickel, cobalt and copper from aqueous solution by adsorption. Effect of various parameters such as pH, adsorbent dose, initial metal ion concentration, contact time and temperature on adsorption of Ni(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) onto PAMMAm was investigated. The equilibrium data were analysed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The adsorption kinetics was evaluated by the pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and intraparticle diffusion models. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption followed pseudo-second order kinetics and intraparticle diffusion model. Negative values of Gibb’s free energy change (ΔG°) showed that the adsorption was feasible and spontaneous and negative values of enthalpy change (ΔH°) confirmed exothermic adsorption.