Original Articles
K. Yogesh Kumar, H. B. Muralid
Abstract
In continuation to our recent study on the synthesi s and characterization of metal oxide nanoparticles , in the present study the ZnO-NiO nanocomposites (ZNOs) has been ev aluated for the removal of Hg(II) from the aqueous solution. The conditions for the sorption have been optimized . Kinetic and thermodynamic studies were performed to understand the adsorption behavior of the composite . The adsorption equilibrium data were modeled usin g the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, the data fitted more satisfactorily to Langmuir isotherms model whe n compare to Freundlich isotherm model. Based on Langmuir mod el, q max was calculated to be 1474.9 mgg -1 . The adsorption showed pseudo second order kinetics indicating chem isorptions. The nanocomposites were successfully re generated, regenerated ZNOs shows nearly one by third of the o riginal adsorption capacity. The results indicate t hat the synthesized ZNOs could be employed as a low cost ad sorbent for the removal of Hg(II) from aqueous solu tion