Adsorption of Cu2+ from aqueous solution by modified biomass material

Cu2+ adsorption from simulated aqueous solution was investigated using a modified spent shiitake substrate (MSSS). The results showed that the MSSS has a high adsorption efficiency and removal performance. The Cu2+ removal rate of the MSSS reached above 95%. Compared with spent shiitake substrate (SSS), the specific surface area, electronegativity and surface functional groups of the MSSS were all improved, resulting in a high adsorption capacity. The Cu2+ adsorption of MSSS reached equilibrium after 0.75 h and was an exothermic reaction. The SEM and EDS analyses of the MSSS before and after Cu2+ adsorption showed that the pores on the surface of the MSSS were occupied after adsorption and the Cu content increased but the Na content decreased.