Adsorption of phenolic compounds from water by a novel ethylenediamine rosin-based resin: Interaction models and adsorption mechanisms

This study describes the adsorption performance of a novel ethylenediamine rosin-based resin (EDAR) for several industrially-important phenolic compounds. Its removal of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) from water was comparable to or better than many commercial resins, although it was less effective with other phenols (i. e., phenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 4-chlorophenol, and 4-methylphenol). Experimental conditions for batch adsorption of 4-NP by EDAR are evaluated, the adsorption kinetics is well described by the pseudo-second-order model (R2 > 0.99) and isotherm follows the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 > 0.99), with the maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 82 mg g−1 at pH 6.0 and 293 K. The thermodynamic parameters indicate that the adsorption is spontaneous and endothermic. Also, quantum chemistry calculations indicate involvement of hydrogen-bonding between 4-NP and amino groups of EDAR. 4-NP was efficiently desorbed from the loaded EDAR resin by 0.2 M HCl, and the resin could be recycled with only a small decrease in its initial adsorption capacities. Thus, EDAR is a promising adsorbent for the removal of 4-NP during water treatment. [Display omitted] •Novel ethylenediamine rosin-based resin (EDAR) efficiently removes 4-nitrophenol from water.•Adsorption of 4-nitrophenol on EDAR is spontaneous and endothermic.•Selectivity for phenols in the order 4-nitrophenol > 2,4-dichlorophenol > 4-chlorophenol > phenol > 4-methylphenol.•The 4-nitrophenol/phenol binary system is described by the Langmuir competitive model.•Adsorption involves H-bonding between 4-nitrophenol and amino groups of EDAR.