Enhanced removal of copper(II) from acidic streams using functional resins: batch and column studies

Abstract

Abstract The adsorption behaviour of copper(II) ions in acidic streams using different polymeric adsorbents (Lewatit MonoPlus TP 220, Lewatit MonoPlus SR 7, Lewatit AF 5, Purolite A 830, Purolite S 984, Purolite A 400 TL, Dowex PSR 2, Dowex PSR 3) was studied, and the results were compared. The adsorbents were characterized by determination of the point of zero charge and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy method. The kinetic (effects of phases contact time) and equilibrium (effect of initial Cu(II) concentration) studies were also carried out. The effects of hydrochloric and nitric(V) acids on adsorption behaviour of Cu(II) were examined. The FTIR spectra after the Cu(II) adsorption were also obtained, and the mechanism of Cu(II) sorption was proposed. Of eight adsorbents, the best one was chosen and applied in further studies (column adsorption, column and batch desorption, reuse of adsorbent in cycles of sorption–desorption, selectivity in two-component solutions Pd(II)–Cu(II)). Cu(II) sorption efficiency was the highest using Lewatit MonoPlus TP 220. Its sorption is well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation and the Langmuir isotherm model. Ion exchangers show also high affinity for noble metals, especially for gold(III): Au(III) > Pd(II) > Pt(IV) (the column test) from single- and two- or three-component solutions (the batch test). Graphic abstract