Adsorption of nickel(II) and copper(II) ions from aqueous solution by coal fly ash

• The fly ash (FA) is an economical adsorbent for the removal of Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions from aqueous solution.
• The FA can be separated from procession medium easily.
• Isotherms for adsorption of Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions onto FA were investigated systematically.
• The experiment data fitted best with Langmuir model.
• Adsorption properties by FA were confirmed by FT-IR.

The research on adsorptive properties of coal fly ash was carried out. The results obtained on the adsorption of copper and nickel were analyzed by the well known models given by Langmuir and Freundlich. For the sorption isotherms, initial metal ion concentration varied while the pH of solution and adsorbent weight in each sample held constant. The sorption isotherms were researched with copper and nickel. The influence of pH (3–10), blend time (0.5–4 h) and the initial concentration of Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions (5–100 mg L−1) was researched on adsorption/desorption of analyses elements from/to the aqueous solutions by using coal fly ash. Optimum conditions of adsorption/desorption of Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions in studied systems were established. The coefficient of adsorption/desorption on the basis of Freundlich and Langmuir equation was found.

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