Adsorption of ciprofloxacin on surface-modified carbon materials

The adsorption capacity of ciprofloxacin (CPX) was determined on three types of carbon-based materials: activated carbon (commercial sample), carbon nanotubes (commercial multi-walled carbon nanotubes) and carbon xerogel (prepared by the resorcinol/formaldehyde approach at pH 6.0). These materials were used as received/prepared and functionalised through oxidation with nitric acid. The oxidised materials were then heat treated under inert atmosphere (N2) at different temperatures (between 350 and 900 °C). The obtained samples were characterised by adsorption of N2 at −196 °C, determination of the point of zero charge and by temperature programmed desorption. High adsorption capacities ranging from approximately 60 to 300 mgCPx gC−1 were obtained (for oxidised carbon xerogel, and oxidised thermally treated activated carbon Norit ROX 8.0, respectively). In general, it was found that the nitric acid treatment of samples has a detrimental effect in adsorption capacity, whereas thermal treatments, especially at 900 °C after oxidation, enhance adsorption performance. This is due to the positive effect of the surface basicity. The kinetic curves obtained were fitted using 1st or 2nd order models, and the Langmuir and Freundlich models were used to describe the equilibrium isotherms obtained. The 2nd order and the Langmuir models, respectively, were shown to present the best fittings.

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► The adsorption capacity of ciprofloxacin was determined on carbon-based materials.
► Functionalised activated carbons, carbon nanotubes and carbon xerogels were compared.
► High adsorption capacities ranging from ∼60 to ∼300 mgCPx/gC were obtained.
► The acid treatment is detrimental whereas thermal treatments enhance adsorption.
► Activated carbon treated at 900 °C showed the best result due to the surface basicity.