Static and dynamic adsorption of phenol from aqueous solution using spherical carbon

Abstract

The objective of this work is to evaluate spherical carbon and modified spherical carbon for the removal of phenol from aqueous solution in static and dynamic studies under various conditions. It explores mainly two adsorbents, that is, activated spherical carbon (ASC) and modified activated spherical carbon (SSC). SEM characterization of both the adsorbents showed a clear change in the physical and chemical properties of the modified adsorbent from its precursor activated carbon. Both the adsorbents are subjected to static mode adsorption studies and after a comparison based on isotherm analysis; more efficient adsorbent is screened for column mode adsorption studies. The phenol removal increased for modified carbon. The aim of carrying out column mode studies will aid in ascertaining the practical applicability of the adsorbent in the real system and therefore, to assess the effect of various process variables, viz., bed height of the adsorbent, flow rate and initial concentration of the adsorbate on breakthrough time and adsorption capacity. The column studies generated data were modeled using the empirical relationship based on Bohart-Adams model. At the end, the option of regenerating the adsorbent was also explored using sodium hydroxide with the aim of minimize the hazardous generated and also to reuse the adsorbent material for many cycles without affecting original properties. Adsorbent regeneration efficiency of 72% was achieved. This investigation reveals that the material used as an adsorbent is very effective with high adsorption capacities and also possible to use in the real contaminated system. © 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.