Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Yaoundé, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Research Article
Optimal Adsorption Conditions for Tartrazine using Activated Carbon Prepared from Groundnut Shells (Arachis hypoheae): A Comparison between Functionalized and Non-functionalized Carbon Adsorbents
Author(s): Betga Alex Worldlight*, Ntang Albert Nigho, Daouda Kouotou, Mayeukeu Harding Wilfried, Kuisseu Michelle and Juluis Ndi Nsami
The removal of tartrazine from aqueous solution by activated carbon prepared from groundnut shells chemically
activated with phosphoric acid, Activated Carbon (AC) and Functionalized Activated Carbon (FAC) has been
investigated using kinetics models. Batch isotherm data were analysed with the pseudo-first order, pseudo-second
order model as well as the intra-particle diffusion model. For structural elucidation, the materials were characterized
using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). These analyses revealed that
the activated carbons (AC and FAC) were predominantly mesoporous with AC more mesoporous than FAC, both
having several oxygen-containing functional groups dispersed on their surface. The reaction was systematically
investigated under various experimental conditions such as contact time, adsorbent dose and pH. For the .. View more»