Isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamic studies of adsorption of Ni and Cu by modification of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles with natural organic matter

In this study, removal of Ni and Cu ions from aqueous media was assessed by the adsorption of Al2O3 nanoparticles (ANPs), with surface modification by natural organic matter (NOM). The obtained materials (NOM–ANPs) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Then, batch adsorption methods were carried out as a function of contact time, adsorbate concentration, pH and temperature. Kinetic experiments revealed that the pseudo-second-order model exhibited the best correlation with the adsorption data, the estimated maximum adsorption capacity of Ni and Cu could reach 15.38 and 62.50 mg g−1 respectively at 303 K, displaying higher efficiency for Ni and Cu removal than previously reported adsorbent materials reported in the literature. Thermodynamic studies exposed the feasibility and endothermic nature of the system. The experimental results show the technical feasibility of NOM–ANPs, its easy synthesis, economic and a promising advanced adsorbent in environmental pollution cleanup.