Magnetic Activated Carbon for Efficient Removal of Pb(II) from Aqueous Solution

Abstract

Abstract In this work, magnetic based activated carbon (MPSAC) was prepared via a simple one-step method in the presence of K2CO3 and Fe3O4 and further examined as an adsorbent for the removal of Pb(II). MPSAC possessed a well-developed porosity structure with a high surface area of 1,219 m2/g and contained rich carboxylic functional groups on the surface. It can be separated easily from a suspended system. The pHIEP value of MPSAC was notably lower than the pHPZC, suggesting that the negatively charged surface was largely distributed in the external area. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out by varying the initial pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial Pb(II) concentration, and temperature of solution. Results show that adsorption of Pb(II) on MPSAC was dependent on contact time, solution pH, adsorbent dosage, initial Pb(II) concentration, and temperature, especially solution pH having strong effects at pH 2–4. Adsorption kinetic and equilibrium data were well described by the pseudo-second...