Experimental Investigation and Mathematical Modeling of 4,6-DMDBT Adsorption on modified Activated Carbon

In this study, equilibrium and kinetic adsorption of 4,6-DMDBT removal from model fuel, using an acid treated activated carbon is investigated. The equilibrium adsorption capability of this adsorbent is investigated. The equilibrium adsorption data fitted by Freundlich and To ̀th isotherms. The kinetic adsorption is also investigated by using two kinetic models: intraparticle diffusion model, and homogeneous surface diffusion model (HSDM). The results have shown that the experimental equilibrium adsorption data were fitted very well with both Freundlich and To ̀th isotherms. Homogeneous surface diffusion model, very well fitted kinetic experimental data. Mathematical modeling of the process using HSDM results in values of mass transfer and diffusion coefficients as 2.5558×10-2 m⁄min and 3.4056×10-6 m2⁄min for 4,6-DMDBT adsorption, respectively. HSDM also reveals that both boundary layer diffusion and diffusion into pores of adsorbent are present at the rate-limiting step of the adsorption process.