Static and Dynamic Studies on Removal of Chlorophenol from Aqueous Solutions Using Chitosan-Carbon Nanocomposites

Nanocomposites of chitosan and activated carbon were prepared by emulsion crosslinking of chitosan with tripolyphosphate and characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and particle size and zeta potential analysis. The nanocomposites were applied for removal of chlorophenol from aqueous solution and effect of various experimental parameters such as concentration of chlorophenol solution, chemical composition of adsorbent, adsorbent dose, pH and temperature of solution, agitation time were studied on the percent removal of chlorophenol. The progress of the adsorption process was monitored and the obtained kinetic data were analyzed to see if the adsorption process fits to pseudo first or second order kinetic processes. The static adsorption data were applied to numerous adsorption isotherm models and the applicability of adsorption process on various isotherm equations was evaluated.