Magnetization and functionalization of activated carbon prepared by oak shell biowaste for removal of Pb2+ from aqueous solutions

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn this research, the chemically treated activated carbon prepared by oak shells was magnetized and functionalized by dithizone. The adsorbent was then characterized by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, TG–DTG, and vibrating sample magnetometer techniques and its performance for removal of Pb2+ from aqueous solutions was studied under different experimental conditions. Under optimized condition, the adsorption capacity of 255 mg g−1 was obtained which was higher than the reported values. The adsorbent was selective in the presence of 500 mg L−1 of Na+, K+, and Mg2+, 200 mg L−1 of Zn2+ and and 80 mg L−1 of Hg2+. The experimental data was fitted to the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The adsorbent was separated by magnetic field and regenerated by HCl solution.