ADSORPTION STUDIES OF COPPER (II) IONS USING ACTIVATED CARBON PREPARED FROM DELONIX REGIA PODS

Abstract

The activated carbon produced from Delonix regia pods was chemically activated using Potassium hydroxide (PHAC) and
utilized as an adsorbent for the removal of Cu(II) from aqueous solution. Adsorption experiments were carried out in a
batch process and various experimental parameters such as effect of contact time, initial metal ion concentration, carbon
dosage, and pH on percentage removal have been studied. The adsorption process of Cu(II) ions onto PHAC is in good
agreement with the Frendlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherm and follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.
Furthermore, thermodynamics parameters were investigated. The negative ∆G° value reveal the Cu(II) adsorption on
PHAC is favourable. The positive value of ∆H° indicates endothermic process and positive value of ∆S° indicate
spontaneous nature of adsorption.