Removal of copper (II) and lead (II) ions from aqueous solutions by adsorption on activated carbon from a new precursor hazelnut husks

Activated carbon was prepared from hazelnut husks with zinc chloride activation at 973 K in nitrogen atmosphere. BET surface area of the activated carbon was found 1092 m2g−1. The removal of Cu (II) and Pb (II) ions from aqueous solutions was studied by batch method. The effects of initial pH, contact time, activated carbon dosage and initial metal concentrations were investigated. The activated carbon exhibited good adsorption potential for copper and lead ions. The experimental data were analyzed by both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. The maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent for Cu (II) and Pb (II) ions was calculated from the Langmuir isotherm and found to be 6.645 and 13.05 mg g−1, respectively.