Removal of copper(II) ion from aqueous solution by high-porosity activated carbon

The removal of copper(II) ion from aqueous solution by the granular activated carbon, obtained from hazelnut shells (ACHS) (Corylus avellana L. var. lunga istriana), was investigated. The ACHS was prepared from ground dried hazelnut shells by specific method carbonisation and water steam activation at 950oC for 2 h. The granular activated carbon produced from hazelnut shells has a high specific surface area (1 452 m2∙g-1) and highly developed microporous structure (micropore volume: 0.615 cm3∙g-1). In batch tests, the influences of solution pH, contact time, initial metal ion concentration and temperature on the sorption of copper(II) ion on ACHS were studied. The results indicate that sorption of copper(II) ion on ACHS strongly depends on pH values. The adsorption data can be well described by the Langmuir isotherm and Redlich-Peterson model. The monolayer adsorption capacity of the ACHS-copper(II) ion, calculated from the Langmuir isotherms, is 3.07 mmol∙g-1. The time-dependent adsorption of copper(II) ion could be described by the pseudo second-order and Elovich kinetics, indicating that the rate-limiting step might be a chemical reaction. The intra-particle diffusion model indicates that adsorption of copper(II) ions on ACHS was diffusion controlled.