Investigation on aqueous Hg(Ⅱ) adsorption properties by thiol-modified activated carbon
- Received Date: 11/08/2008
- Accepted Date: 20/06/2008
-
Key words:
- activated carbon /
- thiol functional group /
- mercury /
- adsorption /
- complexation
Abstract: A thiol-modified activated carbon (AC-SH) was prepared by esterification between thioacetic acid and oxygencontaining functional groups on activated carbon (AC). Aqueous Hg(Ⅱ) adsorption properties by AC-SH were studied through batch experiments. Results showed that 2.31 mmol/g thiol was grafted onto AC, and the Qmax was increased to 556 mg/g. The optimal pH for Hg adsorption was in the range of 3~7, although the removal rate was generally over 90% in a wide range of pH tested (1.5~10.5). The existence of Cl- in water can significantly decrease Hg(Ⅱ) adsorption due to the formation of Hg-Cl complex, which has relatively low affinity to AC-SH.