Investigation of kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics of removal of tetracycline with sponge like, tannin based cryogels

Abstract

The removal of tetracycline (TC) from aqueous environment by new type of sorbents, tannin based cryogels (TAB CRGs) and control cryogels (CRGs) was studied in a batch system. The experimental parameters that affect the sorption of TC were optimized to achieve maximum removal yield. Prepared cryogels were characterized by SEM imaging, IR spectroscopy (ATR). Produced TAB cryogels have thin polymeric walls and interconnected large pores. The TAB cryogels are elastic and sponge like; its water content can easily be removed by only compressed with hand. The TAB cryogels restore their original shape and size within seconds after soaked in water. On the other, elasticity of blank CRG is lower. The Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms were conducted to deduce the mechanism of the process. The kinetics of TC adsorption was moderately fast and almost reached equilibrium in 150 min and the results followed pseudo-second-order kinetic model. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.