Synthesis, characterization, and application of magnetic-activated carbon nanocomposite (m-Fe₃O₄@ACCs) as a new low-cost magnetic adsorbent for removal of Pb(II) from industrial wastewaters

Abstract

In this study, magnetic-activated carbon nanocomposite (m-Fe₃O₄@ACCs), as a new adsorbent, has been prepared, characterization and used for the removal of lead ions from wastewater. Pb(II) could complexes with 4-(2-pyridylazo) resorcinol (PAR) and adsorbed onto the nanocomposite. The adsorption of Pb(II) was studied in a batch reactor at different experimental conditions such as sorbent dosage, pH of the solution, [L]/[Pb²⁺] mol ratio, contact time, and breakthrough volume and optimum values were achieved 40 mg, 11, 1:1, 15, and 450 mL, respectively. Experimental results were indicated that the m-Fe₃O₄@ACCs had removed more than 99% of Pb(II) under the optimum operational conditions. The studies on the adsorption of Pb(II) ions revealed that the process obey the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, the determining step might be chemical sorption. The adsorption of Pb(II) were found to follow the Langmuir isotherm and the maximum adsorption capacity was 239 mg/g.

Keywords:

• Pb(II) ion
• Magnetic activated carbon nanocomposite
• Removal
• Adsorption