Evaluation of chitosan-carbon based biocomposite for efficient removal of phenols from aqueous solutions

Nanocomposite particles of chitosan and activated carbon were prepared for removal of phenols from aqueous solutions. The nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, and particle size and charge analysis. Removal of phenol from aqueous solution was optimized by varying experimental conditions like initial concentration of phenol, pH, adsorbent doses, temperature and contact time. Equilibrium adsorption studies and kinetics of adsorption process showed that adsorption process followed Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetic model, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of phenol was found to be 409 mg/g.