Efficiency determination of single-walled carbon nanotubes on adsorption of copper ions from synthetic wastewater

Abstract

Aims: The ability of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) for copper adsorption from synthetic wastewater was evaluated. Materials and Methods: The batch adsorption studies were performed under various laboratory conditions with initial Copper concentrations of 1, 5, 10, and 50 mg/l, adsorbent dose of 0.1-0.4 mg/L, contact time of 1-60 min and pH of 5-8. The solution was mixed with a mechanical shaker with 150 r.p.m. at 20°C. The suitability of the adsorbent was evaluated using Langmuir, Freundlich isotherm models. Results: The optimum pH for the copper removal was 6-7. The capacity of copper adsorption at equilibrium conditions increased by increasing the concentration of the adsorbate. On increasing the initial concentration of the Cu solution, copper removal reduced. The maximum removal of copper was obtained in dose 0.4 mg/L SWCNTs, 10 mg/L concentration of copper, pH: 7 and 10 min contact time, which were equal to 94%. The Both on Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models gave the appropriate accordance to the adsorption data (R2 > 0.99). The maximum copper adsorption capacity obtained 1.33 mg/g by SWCNTs. Conclusion: The adsorption rate of the copper ions from synthetic wastewater in optimal conditions was quick. In these conditions, the SWCNTs were able to adsorb copper ions from the synthetic wastewater, effectively.