Adsorption of Dyes from Aqueous Solutions on Active Carbons

This work represents an overview of the newest literature on comparison of biological, physical and chemical methods applied to removal of synthetic organic dyes from water. A special attention is given to dye adsorption processes on activated carbons. The main focus is on the adsorption process of cationic and anionic dyes on different activated carbon materials, including adsorbents from waste precursors. Numerous examples of commercial activated carbons applied for effective removal of dyes from water solutions are presented. Parameters of their porous structure, as well as adsorption abilities of selected dyes are provided. Factors affecting the process of dye adsorption from water solutions are described (adsorbent mass and type, initial concentration and class of dye, adsorption time, mixing intensity, temperature and solution pH). In conclusion, it is demonstrated that the process of dye adsorption on activated carbons is one of the most important ways of effective dye removal from water solutions.