Environmental & Analytical Toxicology

Ultrasonic Preparation of Activated Carbon Composites for Removal of Cr3+ and Zn2+ Ions from Aqueous Solution

Abstract

Badriah Saad Al-Farhan

In the present study melamine–formaldehyde-tetraoxalyl-ethylene diamine (MFT) covered activated carbon (MFT/AC) was prepared by the use of ultrasonic waves. The prepared materials were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that MFT was symmetrically covered the surface of the activated carbon. MFT/AC was examined for the removal of chromium and zinc ions from their aqueous solution in the presence and absence of ultrasonic waves. The effects of initial pH of the heavy metal solution, ultrasonic time and ultrasonic frequency on the efficiency of the removal were studied. The results showed that, using ultrasonic waves of 210 KHz for sonication time 30 minutes showed higher removal efficiency towards Cr3+ and Zn2+ ions than unsonicated treatment. The removal of Cr3+ ions was higher than that of Zn2+ ions. The removal process was done via chelating with MFT in the prepared carbon composite