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Removal of lead(II) and zinc(II) ions from aqueous solutions by adsorption onto activated carbon synthesized from watermelon shell and walnut shell

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Abstract

Activated carbons from watermelon shell (GACW) and walnut shell (GACN) were synthesized through chemical activation with phosphoric acid 40 % w/w, as an alternative low-cost adsorbent for the removal of lead(II) and zinc(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The yield of production was 85 and 80 % for GACW and GACN respectively. To compare the differences and similarities between the two activated carbons the following tests were performed: surface and pore width with SEM, nitrogen adsorption isotherms at −196 °C (77 K), IR spectroscopy, TGA, point of zero charge (PZC) and Boehm titration. The GACN has 10 % more surface area (789 m2 g−1 for GACN and 710 m2 g−1 for GACW) and 13 % more pore volume than GACW. Also, GACN has a better resistance to high temperatures than GACW (the loss of mass at 900 °C was 20 % for GACN, while for GACW was 31 %). The effect of the initial concentration of lead(II) and zinc(II) ions on the adsorption process was studied in a batch process mode. To quantify the adsorption of lead and zinc adsorption isotherms of both metals in aqueous solution were performed for each carbon using analytic technique of atomic absorption. The adsorption isotherm data were better fitted by Langmuir model. Experimental results suggests that one gram of GACW adsorbs more milligrams of lead(II) and zinc(II) than one gram of GACN; it is suggest that the pore distribution is a significant variable in the adsorption process because GACW present mesopores and micropores, while GACN has only micropores. Also, the surface chemistry is an important variable in the adsorption process because GACW presents a lower pHPZC than GACN (3.05 for GACW and 4.5 for GACN) and the solution’s pH of each metal was adjusted in 4.5, for that it could be suggested that the electrostatic interactions were increased between the ion and the carbon surface.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Framework Agreement between Universidad de los Andes and Universidad Nacional de Colombia, as well as the Agreement Statement (Acta de Acuerdo) between the Departments of Chemistry of both Universities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra 1 Nº 18A-12, Bogotá, Colombia

    Jonathan Julián Moreno-Barbosa, Catalina López-Velandia & Andrea del Pilar Maldonado

  2. Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra 1 Nº 18A-12, Bogotá, Colombia

    Catalina López-Velandia

  3. Department of Chemistry, Universidad de Los Andes, Cra 1 Nº 18A-12, Bogotá, Colombia

    Juan Carlos Moreno-Piraján

  4. Department of Chemistry, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Cra 1 Nº 18A-12, Bogotá, Colombia

    Liliana Giraldo

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  1. Jonathan Julián Moreno-Barbosa
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  2. Catalina López-Velandia
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  5. Juan Carlos Moreno-Piraján
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Correspondence to Juan Carlos Moreno-Piraján.

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Moreno-Barbosa, J.J., López-Velandia, C., Maldonado, A.d.P. et al. Removal of lead(II) and zinc(II) ions from aqueous solutions by adsorption onto activated carbon synthesized from watermelon shell and walnut shell. Adsorption 19, 675–685 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10450-013-9491-x

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