Adsorption of heavy-metal ions from aqueous solution onto chitosan-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

A novel chitosan-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composite (CCP) adsorbent was specifically fabricated using a dip-padding method for removal of toxic metal ions (Zn2+, Cu2+, and Pb2+) from aqueous solution, especially during emergency treatment of river pollution. The fabricated CCP sample was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, static contact angle measurement, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to confirm successful coating of chitosan onto PET fibers. Adsorption experiments demonstrated that the adsorption process of metal ions onto the surface of CCP was well fit by the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Maximum adsorption values (qmax) of 18.69, 23.70, and 31.25 mg g−1 were obtained from the Langmuir isotherm model for Zn(II), Cu(II), and Pb(II), respectively.