Estimation of adsorption capacity for dissociating and non dissociating aromatic compounds on activated carbon with different models

The process of adsorption of two dissociating and two non-dissociating aromatic compounds from dilute aqueous solutions on an untreated commercially available activated carbon (B.D.H.) was investigated systematically. All adsorption experiments were carried out in pH controlled aqueous solutions. The experimental isotherms were fitted into four different models (Langmuir homogenous Models, Langmuir binary Model, Langmuir-Freundlich single model and Langmuir-Freundlich double model). Variation of the model parameters with the solution pH was studied and used to gain further insight into the adsorption process. The relationship between the model parameters and the solution pH and pK(a) was used to predict the adsorption capacity in molecular and ionic form of solutes in other solution. A relationship was sought to predict the effect of pH on the adsorption systems and for estimating the maximum adsorption capacity of carbon at any pH where the solute is ionized reasonably well. N-2 and CO2 adsorption were used to characterize the carbon. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) measurement was used for surface elemental analysis of the activated carbon.

Research on the BET surface area and packing of molecules on the activated carbon

Adsorption of different aromatic compounds (two of them are electrolytes) onto an untreated activated carbon (F100) is investigated. The experimental isotherms are fitted into Langmuir homogenous and heterogeneous Model. Theoretical maximum adsorption capacities that are based on the BET surface area of the adsorbent cannot be close to the real value. The affinity and the heterogeneity of the adsorption system observed to be related to the pK(a) of the solutes. The maximum adsorption capacity (Q(max)) of activated carbon for each solute dependent on the molecular area as well as the type of functional group attached on the aromatic compound and also pH of solution. The arrangement of the molecules on the carbon surface is not face down. Furthermore, it is illustrated that the packing arrangement is most likely edge to face (sorbate-sorbent) with various tilt angles. For characterization of the carbon, the N-2 and CO2 adsorption were used. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) measurement was used to surface elemental analysis of activated carbon.

Adsorption of p-nitrophenol in untreated and treated activated carbon

The adsorption of p-nitrophenol in one untreated activated carbon (F100) and three treated activated carbons (H-2, H2SO4 and Urea treated F100) was carried out at undissociated and dissociated conditions. To characterize the carbon, N-2 and CO2 adsorption were used. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) was used to analyze the surface of the activated carbon. The experimental isotherms are fitted via the Langmuir homogenous model and Langmuir binary model. Variation of the model parameters with the solution pH is studied. Both Q(max) and the adsorption affinity coefficient (K-1) were dependent on the PZC of the carbons and solution pH. The Effect of pH must be considered due to its combined effects on the carbon surface and on the solute molecules. Adsorption of p-nitrophenol at higher pH was found to be dependent on the concentration of the anionic form of the solute.