Removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions by succinic anhydride modified mercerized nanocellulose

In this study, the removal of Zn(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Co(II), and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions was investigated using succinic anhydride modified mercerized nanocellulose. The modified adsorbents were characterized using FTIR and SEM analyses. FTIR results showed the bands related to carboxyl groups and SEM-images clear increase in crystallinity after modification of nanocellulose. The effects of pH, contact time, regeneration, and the concentration of metals were studied in batch mode. The maximum metal uptakes ranged from 0.72 to 1.95 mmol/g following the order of: Cd > Cu > Zn > Co > Ni. Adsorption isotherms were demonstrated using Langmuir and Sips models with wet and dry weight of adsorbent. Both models were representative to simulate adsorption isotherms. Regeneration of the modified nanocellulose was accomplished using nitric acid and ultrasonic treatment. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.