Adsorption of aluminum from aqueous solutions utilizing waste polyethylene terephthalate derived activated carbon

This study aims to adsorb aluminum (Al3+) from aqueous solutions through batch experiments utilizing activated carbon (AC). Waste polyethylene terephthalate was carbonized in a N-2 environment and then chemically activated with 1 M KOH to produce AC. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, surface area analysis, as well as scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze the AC. The pertinent adsorption behaviors of AC for Al3+ have been studied, including adsorption isotherms, adsorption kinetics, the effect of initial Al3+ concentration, adsorbent dosage, contact time, as well as pH, etc. According to the results, AC has the maximum ability for adsorbing Al3+ from aqueous solution (>95%). The findings show that the pseudo-second-order equation can accurately predict the adsorption kinetics of AC for Al3+, and that the experimental data and Langmuir isotherm model match well, demonstrating homogeneous monolayer adsorption. According to the research findings, AC may be used as a sort of very effective adsorbent in the treatment of wastewater, which would enable a simple approach for the removal of Al3+.