Adsorption of Cu and Pb by ZnO Nano Rods Prepared by Microwave Hydrothermal Method

Abstract

In the present work, ZnO nano-rods are prepared by microwave assisted hydrothermal method at different pH values. Crystal structure and phase purity of prepared ZnO Nano-rods were investigated by x-ray diffraction. Impurities free powder is studied by x-ray florescence spectrometer. The morphology of prepared ZnO nano-rods is assured by means of field emission scanning electron microscope. Batch experiments are performed for the removal of lead and copper ions, from their aqueous solutions, by using ZnO nano-rods as adsorbents.  Adsorption parameters such as solution pH, adsorbent dosage and contact time are studied by using ICP-OES to reach the optimum conditions for removal of Pb and Cu from aqueous medium. Sorption equilibrium isotherm is described by fitting experimental data obtained with both Freundlich and Langmuir models. Furthermore, for kinetic studies, pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order models are applied and compared with experimental dat.