Experimental investigation on chromium(VI) removal from aqueous solution using activated carbon resorcinol formaldehyde xerogels

Abstract

The adsorption of chromium(VI) metal ion in aqueous solutions by activated carbon resorcinol formaldehyde xerogels (ACRF) was investigated. The results showed that pore structure, surface area and the adsorbent surface chemistry are important factors in the control of the adsorption of chromium(VI) metal ions. The isotherm parameters were obtained from plots of the isotherms and from the application of Langmuir and Freundlich Isotherms. Based on regression analysis, the Langmuir isotherm model was the best fit. The maximum adsorption capacity of ACRF for chromium (VI) was 241.9 mg/g. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model was the best fit to the experimental data for the adsorption of chromium metal ions by activated carbon resorcinol formaldehyde xerogels. The thermodynamics of Cr(VI) ions adsorption onto ACRF was a spontaneous and endothermic process.