Separation of copper(II) from aqueous solution using Kigelia africana carbon as adsorbent

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this study, the carbon obtained from Kigelia africana was activated by chemical activation using H2SO4. This Kigelia africana carbon (KAC) was used for the separation of copper ions [Cu(II)] from the aqueous phase. The surface area, chemical structure, and morphology of KAC were characterised by using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller [BET], Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy [FTIR], X-ray diffraction [XRD], and Scanning electron microscopy [SEM] respectively. Batch sorption was conducted to analyse the effect of initial concentration, the dosage of adsorbent, initial pH, temperature, and contact period. The maximum amount of Cu(II) separated was found to be 97.4% in 180 min at pH 6. The adsorption equilibrium data were described well with the Langmuir isotherm model, and the highest adsorption capacity obtained was 94.48 mg/g. Further, kinetic modelling and thermodynamic properties were investigated. The sorption of heavy metals ions by KAC was spontaneous, endothermic, and followed a pseudo 2nd order kinetic model.