A novel hybrid of β-cyclodextrin grafted onto activated carbon for rapid adsorption of naphthalene from aqueous solution

A novel hybrid material was prepared by grafting β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) onto the surface of oxidized AC for the rapid adsorption of naphthalene. AC and CDACs were characterized using the N2 adsorption-desorption method, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and solid state CP MAS 13C NMR. All the results demonstrate that β-CD grafted successfully onto AC. Batch experimental adsorption datas had a higher correlation to Freundlich isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption equilibrium capacity of 178.73 mg·g−1 was reached in just 10 s at an AC/β-CD grafting ratio value of 1:1. It had a faster adsorption rate than many reported adsorbents. Additionally, the positive free energy change (∆G°), and the positive enthalpy change (∆H°) suggest that it is a viable, spontaneous and endothermic process, which will provided a new path to a highly-efficient and fast-adsorption-rate adsorbent for naphthalene or its analogues discharged into the environment.