Isotherms, Kinetics and Thermodynamics of Pb(II) Adsorption by Crosslinked Chitosan/Sepiolite Composite

Abstract

A novel composite adsorbent was prepared from chitosan (Ch) and sepiolite (S) for removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solution. The Ch-S composite beads were successfully synthesized by crosslinking epichlorohydrin (ECH) and tripolyphosphate (NaTPP). A number of physicochemical parameters such as, pH, initial Pb(II) concentration, temperature, contact time and desorption have been studied during the adsorption process. Experimental data acquired from batch adsorption tests have been analyzed by three isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich), and three kinetic models including the pseudo-first-order, the pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion equations using nonlinear regression technique. Langmuir isotherm was the best to fit the experimental data (R-2 = 0.971). The maximum adsorption capacity was 0.158 mol kg(-1) from Langmuir isotherm model. Maximum removal efficiency was found approximately 66% for the initial Pb(II) concentration of 1000 mg/L, adsorbent dosage of 100 mg and agitation speed of 150 rpm at pH 4.5. The adsorption free energy was found as E-DR (15.8 kJ mol(-1)), which indicated that Pb(II) adsorption process onto Ch-S composite was chemically performed. The kinetic studies have shown that the best fitted kinetic model is the pseudo-first order (R-2 = 0.979). Adsorption enthalpy value was determined as 18.7 kJ mol(-1), adsorption entropy was found as 106 J mol(-1) K-1, and Gibbs free energy was found as 12.9 kJ mol(-1). The thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption of Pb(II) on Ch-S was endothermic, possible and spontaneous.