Removal of Lead and Cobalt ions from aqueous solution by functionalized and non-functionalized carbon nanotubes

One of the most important issues of today’s world is water scarcity and pollution of the environment with heavy metals. This study aimed to investigate the removal of lead and cobalt ions by functionalized and non-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes from aqueous solution. The present research was an experimental and laboratory -scale study to evaluate the removal of lead and cobalt from aqueous solution with functionalized and non- functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes in a batch system. Samples were prepared in lab and in synthetic scale. Factors such as pH, adsorbent dosage, lead and cobalt concentrations, reaction time and reaction temperature were investigated. The concentration of metal ions was measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. According to the results, functionalization of single-walled nanotubes, increasing the adsorbent dosage, temperature, pH and initial concentrations of lead and cobalt resulted in increased removal of lead and cobalt. Most of the removal of studied metal ions was in 75 mg of adsorbent dosage, 3 mg/L of lead and cobalt, as well as 15 and 10 minutes of contact time at 35 ° C for cobalt and lead, respectively. Furthermore, the results showed better agreement with Langmuir isotherm. It was found that, compared with non- functionalized nanotubes, functionalized nanotubes revealed higher adsorption capacity.