Application of Activated Carbon Fibers for Removal of Iron and Lead Salts from Waste Water

IN THIS study, the adsorption characteristics and performance of activated carbon fibers (ACF) were prepared from Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) waste, for removal of heavy metals was investigated. The effects of heavy metals concentration, adsorption temperature, pH of adsorption solution and contact time for removal of iron sulfate and lead acetate were studied to determine the best performance properties. The surface of ACF before and after adsorption process was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The adsorption characteristics were mainly affected by pH of adsorption media and the adsorption temperature. The pH 4.0 was the optimum one for the adsorption processes of iron sulfate and lead acetate. Increasing the adsorption temperature from 30 - 80 degrees C improved the removal efficiency of Fe(II) from 71 % to 94 % and for Pb(II) increased from 57 % to 83 %. The surface of ACF after adsorptions is characterized by the formation of some precipitations on the surface of ACF. These precipitations and granulation are noticed. EDX analysis confirms the presence of Fe(II) and Pb(II) onto ACF after adsorptions.