Removal of Pb(II) from Aqueous Solutions by using Chitosan Coated Zero Valent Iron Nanoparticles

Abstract

This study reports the synthesis, characterization, and application of chitosan coated zero valent iron nanoparticles (CTS-Fe⁰) in the removal of Pb(II) from aqueous medium. This nano adsorbent showed a high adsorption capacity and efficient adsorption towards Pb(II) in aqueous medium. Adsorption of Pb(II) on CTS-Fe⁰ obeyed pseudo-second order kinetics and was controlled by a film diffusion process. Among the various isotherm models the experimental data followed the Langmuir isotherm and the maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 666.6 mg/g at pH 5.0 and 318 K. The sorption mean free energy from D-R isotherm was found to be 72, 131, and 177 J/mol at 298, 308, and 318 K, respectively, indicating a physical sorption. The percentage of Pb(II) removal by CTS-Fe⁰ particles is more than 90% at 318 K. The calculated thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption of Pb(II) is feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic in nature. Experimental results indicated that the CTS-Fe⁰ appears to be a promising adsorbent for the removal of Pb(II) from aqueous media.

Keywords:

• chitosan coated zero valent iron
• adsorption
• kinetics: isotherms
• thermodynamics