Metal Ion Adsorption Using Coconut Shell Powder Activated by Chemical and Physical Treatments

A comparative evaluation is presented of physical and chemical treatments performed on coconut shell powder, in relation to the adsorption capacity of Cu2+/Cd2+ ions. The chemical treatment consisted of impregnation with monoethanolamine (mass ratio of 1:1) or a microemulsion (composed of 10 wt % sodium octanoate). The physical treatment was through steam explosion (P = 5 bar, T = 210 °C). Treatment efficiency was assessed using physical characterization of the adsorber material. Assessment of the ion adsorption capacity was performed in batch mode. The comparative investigation was carried out based on the Langmuir model constants, kinetic constants, and thermodynamic parameters. The efficiency of the modifications was also evaluated through adsorption‐desorption cycles. The effects of physical and chemical treatments on the adsorption capacity of coconut shell powder for Cu2+/Cd2+ ions was investigated. The comparative study was based on the Langmuir model constants, kinetic constants, and thermodynamic parameters. The efficiency of the modifications was evaluated through adsorption‐desorption cycles.