DITIZHONE-IMMOBILIZED NICKEL SLAG FOR THE ADSORPTION OF SILVER(I) ION

Abstract

Nickel Slag (NS) is a byproduct generated from nickel ore processing, which mainly contains silica and alumina. This study has developed an adsorbent of dithizone-immobilized nickel slag (NSD) for Ag(I) removal in batch mode. Characterization of the adsorbent was carried out using SEM-EDX, XRD, FTIR, and DSC/TGA to confirm dithizone immobilization on the surface of activated nickel slag (NSA). The optimum condition for Ag(I) ion adsorption was achieved at pH 5 with a contact time of 90 minutes. The adsorption capacity of NSD towards Ag(I) was better than that of NSA. The adsorption kinetics of Ag(I) complied with the pseudo-second-order reaction, while the adsorption isotherms followed Langmuir isotherm models. Sequential desorption results indicated that Ag(I) adsorption in NSD was dominated by hydrogen bond interactions and complexation.