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Abstract
The adsorption of p-nitrophenol (PNP) onto activated carbon fiber (ACF) was investigated
in simulated wastewater in a batch system to evaluate the effects of solution pH,
presence of sodium chloride, adsorbent doses and temperature. It was found that PNP
adsorption amount depended on pH, sodium chloride content, adsorbent doses and temperature.
Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied to describe the adsorption isotherms.
Freundlich model agreed with experimental data well, indicating the possibility of
more than just one monomolecular layer of coverage. SEM photographs of ACF before
and after adsorption revealed that it was in part with multimolecular layers of coverage
on ACF surfaces. The change of free energy, enthalpy, and entropy of adsorption were
also evaluated for the adsorption process. The pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order
kinetic models were used to describe the kinetic data. The experimental data fitted
very well the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Attempts were made to desorb PNP
from ACF using dilute NaOH solution and water, and desorption efficiency was obtained
to the extent of 92.7% with 0.025 M NaOH and water at 368 K.