Kinetics and thermodynamic studies of phenol adsorption on nanocomposite

An inorganic-organic hybrid nanocomposite materials has been used as a stable extractor for the removal of phenol and characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. Batch adsorption experiments were employed to study the main parameters of kinetic study under various conditions (e.g. contact time, solution pH, initial metal ion concentration, temperature etc.). The most favourable pH for the optimum sorption of phenol was found to be 3-5. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were tested to describe the adsorption mechanism. The monolayer adsorption capacity of polyaniline Sn(IV) silicophosphate (PTSP) for phenol was found to be 3.76, 5.58 and 2.82 mu gg(-1) at 30, 40 and 50 degrees C, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters were also computed and their results exposed the spontaneous and endothermic nature of sorption. FTIR confirmed that the interactions between phenol and PTSP were responsible for adsorption. SEM image showed the amorphous morphology of untreated PTSP. It was also found that after adsorption, the morphology of phenol-treated PTSP had been completely changed, which proved the phenomenon of adsorption. PTSP adsorbent has been successfully used for the removal of phenol from aqueous solutions.