Abstract
The adsorption characteristics of Pb(2+) ions from aqueous solutions onto calix[4]naphthalene have been investigated.
Calix[4]naphthalene was prepared by the condensation of 1-naphthol and formaldehyde (1:2) in presence of hydrochloric acid at 80 °C. The effect of various operation parameters, such as solution pH, initial metal ion concentration, contact time, and temperature, on the adsorption capacity of calix[4]naphthalene for Pb(2+) have been investigated.
Experimental results showed that the adsorption of Pb(2+) ions increased with the increase in solution pH and temperature. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms models were used to describe the adsorption behavior of Pb(2+) by calix[4]naphthalene. Equilibrium data fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm model and the maximum adsorption capacity of calix[4]naphthalene for Pb(2+) at 30 °C was found to be 29.15 mg g(-1). Kinetic studies indicated that the adsorption followed pseudo-second order model and the thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The obtained results demonstrated that calix[4]naphthalene can be used as an effective adsorbent for Pb(2+) ions removal from water.