Application of <scp>PAN‐N</scp>a<scp>Y</scp> Composite for <scp>CS</scp>⁺ and <scp>SR</scp>²⁺ Adsorption: Kinetic and Thermodynamic Studies

Abstract

In this research, a new composite adsorbent consisting of zeolite Y and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was synthesized. The composite was characterized by XRD, XRF, FTIR, DTG, and SEM analysis. The adsorption behavior of the composite toward Cs + and Sr 2+ was investigated. The effect of pH, initial ion concentration, contact time, and temperature on sorption process was examined. The maximum adsorption capacity of the composite was 219.8 and 70.23 mg g −1 for Cs + and Sr 2+ , respectively. The kinetic of the process followed pseudo‐second‐order model. The equilibrium data were analyzed by the Langmuir, Freundlich, and D‐R isotherm models. The mean free energy of the sorption ( E ) for both ions was in the range of 8–16 kJ mol −1 , confirming an ion exchange mechanism had been carried out. Positive Δ H ° and negative Δ G ° were indicative of the endothermic and spontaneous nature adsorption. Obtained results revealed the PAN‐NaY composite was a desirable ion exchanger for Cs + and Sr 2+ removal. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 999–1008, 2015