Abstract
The aim of this study was to optimize the adsorption performance of activated carbon (AC), derived from the shell of Penaeus vannamei prawns, on heavy metal ions. Inexpensive, non-toxic, and renewable prawn shells were subjected to carbonization and, subsequently, KOH-activation to produce nanoporous K-Ac. Carbonized prawn shells (CPS) and nanoporous KOH-activated carbon (K-Ac) from prawn shells were prepared and characterized by FTIR, XRD, BET, SEM, and TEM. The results showed that as-produced K-Ac samples were a porous material with microporous and mesoporous structures and had a high specific surface area of 3160 m2/g, average pore size of about 10 nm, and large pore volume of 2.38 m3/g. Furthermore, batches of K-Ac samples were employed for testing the adsorption behavior of Cd2+ in solution. The effects of pH value, initial concentration, and adsorption time on Cd2+ were systematically investigated. Kinetics and isotherm model analysis of the adsorption of Cd2+ on K-Ac showed that experimental data were not only consistent with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, but also well-described by the quasi-first-order model. Finally, the adsorption behaviors of as-prepared K-Ac were also tested in a ternary mixture of heavy metal ions Cu2+, Cr6+, and Cd2+, and the total adsorption amount of 560 mg/g was obtained.
Highlights
Activated carbon (AC) is a remarkable adsorbent with high specific surface area, high pore volume, and adjustable surface physical and chemical properties
The pore diameter of as-prepared can be determined frominBET. These characterizations are performed for PS samples
ACs with a higher specific area and excellent Cd2+ adsorption performance have been successfully prepared from prawn shell waste through high-temperature carbonization and KOH activation
Summary
Activated carbon (AC) is a remarkable adsorbent with high specific surface area, high pore volume, and adjustable surface physical and chemical properties. It is widely used in the remediation of industrial waste water and contaminated groundwater [1,2]. Cr(VI) is a strong carcinogenic and mutagenic agent, and its antoxicity is 100 times higher than that of Cr(III) [14]. Cd, as one of the most important persistent inorganic pollutants, can generate severe toxicity to plants, animals, and humans, even at low concentrations [15]. The removal of heavy metals from water is urgently needed
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