ADSORPTION OF p-CHLOROPHENOL FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION ON MODIFIED CORNCOB

摘要

The objective of this study was to convert corncob into an adsorbent and further to investigate the potential of the adsorbent for the removal of p-chlorophenol (p-CP) from aqueous solution. The crushed corncob was treated with 1 M phosphoric acid (PA) in ultrasound irradiation (45 kHz) to enhance its nature adsorption capacity. The characteristics of the adsorbent were evaluated by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and specific surface area analysis. The effects of various experimental parameters (e.g. contact time, p-CP concentration, pH) were examined and optimal experimental conditions were determined. The adsorption capacity of p-CP on PTC was up to 45.5 mg/g when initial concentration of p-CP solution was 200 mg/L at 293K. Adsorption kinetics followed the Ho and McKay equation in the concentration range studied. Rate limiting step in the process of adsorption was pore or particle diffusion. Equilibrium isotherm data were satisfactorily fitted by the Freundlich equation. This study confirmed that corncob by impregnation with phosphoric acid solution using ultrasound irradiation was an excellent attractive adsorbent for removal of p-CP from aqueous solution.