Adsorption isotherm and kinetic modeling of a novel procedure for physical modification of silica gel using aqueous solutions of 4,4′-(1,2-ethanediyldinitrilo)bis-(2-pentanone) for preconcentration of Ni(II) ion

Aqueous solutions of 4,4 '-(1,2-ethanediyldinitrilo)bis-(2-pentanone) (EDDBP) have been used in a novel green procedure for the physical modification of silica gel (SG) for solid-phase extraction and preconcentration of Ni(II) ion. Optimization experiments were carried out at 301 +/- 1 K by batch technique. The EDDBP-modified SG was characterized using X-ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (XRD) and Brunaeur-Emmett-Teller (BET) determinations. The adsorption isotherm and kinetic models indicated a physisorption process. The modified SG showed moderate to high adsorption capacity values for Ni(II) ion (similar to 98% removal efficiency) at pH 8. A sorption mechanism for Ni(II) chelation with EDDBP-modified-SG was proposed. These results suggest the procedure has advantages.