Rapid Removal of Phenol from Aqueous Solutions by AC_Fe3O4 Nano-Composite: Kinetics and Equilibrium Studies

Background and Phenol and its derivatives are used as raw material in many chemical, pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries. It is classified as priority pollutant, due to its high toxicity. In this study, the magnetic activated carbon nano-composite was used for quick removal of phenol. The activated carbon was modified by magnetic nano-particles. Then physical properties of the adsorbent were investigated using BET, XRD and SEM. Afterwards, adsorption behavior of phenol onto the adsorbent was studied considering various parameters such as: pH, phenol concentration, contact time and adsorbent dosage. Also, the isotherms and adsorption kinetics model was studied. BET analysis showed 10.25% decrease in the specific area of activated carbon after being amended by the Fe3O4 nano-particles. SEM and XRD confirmed the presence of Fe3O4 nano-particles on the activated carbon. Optimum absorption points in this process were pH=8, contact time of 15 min and adsorbent dose 2g/L. The Longmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics were fitted to the data. The maximum adsorption capacity of phenol on AC_Fe3O4 was 84.033 mg/g. Creating magnetic properties on the activated carbon which has a high adsorption capacity of phenol could result in quick separation of phenol from aqueous solutions. Also, this adsorbent could be widely applied since it is inexpensive and simple to use.