Kinetics and thermodynamics of the adsorption of lead (II) on a activated carbon from coconut shells

Abstract

The effect of temperature on the adsorption of lead by an activated carbon from coconut shells is investigated. The pseudo second order equation is applied to the kinetic data obtained at different temperatures in order to determine the adsorption rate constants at these temperatures. Then, the Arrhenius equation is applied to the rate constants to determine the activation energy of the sorption reaction and the pre-exponential factor. By applying the Eyring equation to the rate constants, the standard thermodynamic activation parameters of the sorption reaction can also be calculated. In addition, the isotherms of lead adsorption on the activated carbon from coconut shells, at different temperatures, are determined and fitted by the Langmuir equation. The Van’t Hoff equation is applied to the Langmuir equilibrium constants in order to determine the standard enthalpy of the sorption reaction. The other standard thermodynamic parameters (Gibbs standard enthalpy and standard entropy) are deduced. The isosteric standard sorption enthalpy is also determined by using both the classical approach and an adapted Clausius Clapeyron equation. The results are identical. The value obtained is higher, but more correct than that of Langmuir. On the basis of these thermokinetic parameters, the activated carbon from Coconut shells can be considered as a very efficient carbon for the sorption of lead and its sorption efficiency (rate and quantity) increase with the temperature.