Separation Science and Technology, Vol.48, No.18, 2804-2816, 2013
A Novel Pinus Tabulaeformis Based Adsorbent for the Removal of Malachite Green
Pyrolytic char treated with muffle furnace (TPC), a novel adsorbent, were investigated to enhance its adsorption capacity of malachite green (MG) dye. In addition, the dye adsorption behavior of the TPC in aqueous solution was investigated. The treatment temperature, treatment time, and the particle size of PC had a positive effect on the dye adsorption capacity of TPC. Equilibrium data was fitted well with Langmuir and Redlich-Peterson models with maximum adsorption capacity of 91.24, 111.27, and 119.01mgg(-1) at 293, 303, and 313K, respectively. The kinetic of adsorption was found to confirm to the Elovich equation with good correlation and the overall rate of MG uptake was found to be controlled by film diffusion, pore diffusion and particle diffusion. The Boyd plot confirmed that the external mass transfer was the rate-limiting step in the adsorption process. Different thermodynamic parameters have also been evaluated and it was found that the adsorption was spontaneous, feasible, and endothermic in nature. Adsorbents could be regenerated using 0.1molL(-1) NaOH solution at least three cycles, with up to 90% recovery. The TPC used in this work proved to be an effective material for the treatment of MG bearing aqueous solutions.