Adsorption of Pb (II) from Aqueous Sample Using Nanocomposite Based on Polyethersulfone/Amine-Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes

Adsorption of lead metal ion [Pb(II)] from aqueous samples was investigated using polyethersulfone (PES)/amine-functionalized carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) via changes of pH, stirring speed, contact time, adsorbent content and initial metal ion concentration. The FTIR and EDX results for the modified sample showed that the first type amine groups (N-H2) and the second type amine groups (N-H) were located on the CNT surface. The SEM images also showed CNTs structure change, their breaking down followed by providing more order. The rate of ion adsorption by the nanocomposite sample showed that the kinetic equilibrium of adsorption occurred within the first 10 min of contact time. To maximize the metal ion removal, the amounts of nano-adsorbent, pH and initial ion concentration were determined 0.1 g/100 mL aqueous sample, 7, and 95 ppm, respectively. Also, the Freundlich isotherm model and the pseudo-second order kinetic model had the best correspondence with the experimental data.