Novel silica-based hybrid adsorbents: lead(II) adsorption isotherms

Water pollution caused by the lead(II) from the spent liquor has caught much attention. The research from the theoretical model to application fundaments is of vital importance. In this study, lead(II) adsorption isotherms are investigated using a series of hybrid membranes containing mercapto groups (-SH groups) as the hybrid adsorbents. To determine the best fitting equation, the experimental data were analyzed using six two-parameter isotherm equations (i.e., Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R), Temkin, Harkins-Jura, and Halsey isotherm models). It was found that the lead(II) adsorption on these samples followed the Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R), and Halsey isotherm models. Moreover, the mean free energy of adsorption was calculated using Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm model and it was confirmed that the adsorption process was physical in nature. These findings are very meaningful in the removal of lead(II) ions from water using the hybrid membranes as adsorbents.