Adsorption performance of magnetic aminated lignin for the removal of Cu(II) and Cd(II)

Abstract

The adsorption behavior of Cu(II) and Cd(II) onto a magnetic lignin-based nanomaterial (MLN) was investigated in detail. The results showed that the adsorption isotherm was better described by the Langmuir model, showing monolayer adsorption with a maximum adsorption capacity of 135.7 and 156.5 mg/g. The kinetics fit the pseudo-second-order model. The thermodynamics showed the enthalpy change of the adsorption for Cu(II) and Cd(II) was 24.12 and 36.49 kJ/mol, with entropy change of 85.12 and 130.3 J/mol·K, respectively; thus, the adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous in the range of 25°C–45°C. Additionally, the adsorbent was easy to regenerate. This study shows that MLN is a capable, sustainable absorbent for the removal of heavy metals. Application: This study demonstrates that magnetic aminated lignin can absorb heavy metals and can be used by mills for waste effluent treatment in environmental pollution management.