Removal of Cu2+from aqueous solution by Chitosan/Rectorite nanocomposite microspheres

Abstract

AbstractThe novel chitosan/rectorite nanocomposite microspheres were prepared by controlling mass ratios of chitosan and rectorite at 6:1. The microspheres were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope. The interlayer distance of rectorite was enlarged from 2.53 to 3.01 nm. Adsorption of Cu2+ from aqueous solution onto chitosan/rectorite nanocomposite microspheres was studied. The results showed that the Cu2+ adsorption process is dependent on pH, contract time, initial CR concentration, and temperature. The maximal Cu2+ uptake was 190.2 mg g−1 in the test. The adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics were also studied. The maximum sorption capacities calculated from the pseudo-second-order rate equation and Langmuir isotherm were 209.5 and 201.6 mg g−1, respectively, which were close to the experimental values. Adsorption thermodynamics study indicated the spontaneous nature and endothermic of the adsorption process.