Vanadium (V) adsorption isotherms and kinetics using polypyrrole coated magnetized natural zeolite

Abstract Magnetized natural zeolite-polypyrrole (MZ-PPY) composite as a potential adsorbent for vanadium was prepared via polymerization of pyrrole monomer using FeCl 3 oxidant in aqueous medium in which magnetized natural zeolite particles were suspended. The MZ-PPY composite was characterized by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscope (ATR-FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM). Batch adsorption studies were performed to test the ability of the adsorbent to remove V(V) ions from aqueous solution. From sorption equilibrium modelling, the equilibrium data is well described by Langmuir, Sips and Redlich–Peterson isotherms while the adsorption kinetics is described by the pseudo-second order model. The Langmuir adsorption capacity is 65.0 mg/g at 298 K. Thermodynamic parameters confirm the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the vanadium adsorption process. Meanwhile V(V) removal process is found not to be affected by co-existing ions. Furthermore, the material can be used in two adsorption cycles without compromising its capacity.