Kinetics and isotherm studies of Cd(II) adsorption from aqueous solution utilizing seeds of bottlebrush plant (Callistemon chisholmii)

Abstract

Seeds of bottlebrush, a novel plant material, were found to exhibit excellent adsorption capacity over a wide range of Cd(II) concentration. It was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy to support the adsorption of Cd(II) ions. Effect of various parameters like pH, contact time, initial concentration and different electrolytes was investigated using batch process to optimize conditions for maximum adsorption. The adsorbent data were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin-Redushkeuich isotherm equations at 30°, 40° and 50 °C. Thermodynamic parameters such as standard enthalpy change (ΔH°), free energy change (ΔG°) and entropy change (ΔS°) were also evaluated and the results indicated that adsorption of Cd(II) are spontaneous and endothermic. Various kinetics models including the Pseudo-first-order kinetics, Pseudo-second-order kinetics and Intraparticle diffusion models have been applied to the experimental data to predict the adsorption kinetics. Kinetic study was carried out by varying initial concentration of Cd(II) at constant temperature and it was found that pseudo-second-order rate equation was better obeyed than pseudo-first-order equation supporting that chemisorption process was involved.