Chemical Engineering Lab ΙΙ

CEB 2072/ CEB 3052

LAB REPORT
Group 15
Title of Experiment:
Activated Carbon Adsorption Isotherm & Kinetics
Date of Experiment:
3rd February 2022
Lab Demonstrator: Reham Boushara
Name ID
Ainur Farissa Kamarol Zaman 19000758
Hadif Harraz Bin Shahril 19000682
Muhd Faridz Hisyam Bin Ibrahim 19000848
Muhammad Akhmal Naim Bin Muhammad Zaidi 19000825
Muhammad Faris Zafran Bin Amir Sharifudin 19000713
 Table of Content
Chapter 1: Introduction 1

Chapter 2: Literature Review 3

Chapter 3: Methodology 4

Chapter 4: Results and Discussion 6

Chapter 5: Conclusion 11

Reference 12
Chapter 1: Introduction

Adsorption can be defined as the adhesion of one or more components of a gas or liquid on a
surface of a solid adsorbent. Interestingly, adsorption is present in many physical, natural,
biological and chemical systems and finds its use in many industrial applications (Aakash, 2021).
For example, adsorption is used in water treatment, gas separation, chromatography and ion
exchange. The adsorption process can be divided into two categories which are physisorption and
chemisorption. Physical adsorption is produced by the interaction of intermolecular forces while
chemical adsorption process includes the formation and destruction of chemical bonds (Ren &
Zhang, 2019). Moreover, for adsorption process, the two components required are adsorbate which
is the substance that is deposited on the surface of another substance and adsorbent which is the
surface of a substance on which adsorbate adsorbs (Aakash, 2021). In this experiment, we will be
using methylene blue as the adsorbent and activated carbon as the adsorbent. Activated carbon is
known for its unique properties including porous structure, high specific surface areas and large
sorption capacities making it an excellent adsorbent (Dural et al., 2011).

There are several models proposed to predict equilibrium distribution including Langmuir
adsorption isotherm and Freundlich adsorption isotherm. In this experiment, we are required to
determine the best fit adsorption isotherm using the experimental data. The Langmuir theory
proposed that only monolayer adsorption takes place and there is no lateral interactive force
between the adsorbate molecules. The linear equation that represents Langmuir isotherm is shown
as below,

1 1 1
= +
𝑄𝑒 𝑄𝑚 𝐾𝐿 𝑄𝑚 𝐶𝑒
EQUATION 1.1 Langmuir isotherm

Where, Qe is the equilibrium concentration of adsorbate, Qm is the maximum concentration

adsorbate on adsorbent, Ce is the equilibrium concentration of solute, and KL is the experimental
constant.

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Furthermore, Freundlich theory proposed that the adsorbate forms a monomolecular layer on the
surface of the adsorbent (Aakash, 2021). However, it is most suitable only at low pressure
application. The linear equation that defines Freundlich isotherm is as below,

1
log 𝑄𝑒 = log 𝐾𝐹 + log 𝐶𝑒
𝑛
EQUATION 1.2 Freundlich isotherm

Where, Qe is the equilibrium constant of adsorbate on adsorbent, Ce is the equilibrium

concentration of solute and KF and n are both experimental constants.

Objective:

1. To obtain at least 70 % removal efficiency of methylene blue by using activated carbon.

2. To determine the best fit of adsorption isotherm (Langmuir or Freundlich) and its
respective isotherm constant(s).

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Chapter 2: Literature Review

According to Dąbrowski (2001), adsorption has been one of the leading chemical processes
used in industry and environmental protection. Adsorption of substrates is the first stage of many
catalytic processes (Dąbrowski, 2001). The chemical process refers to collecting molecules by the
external surface or internal surface of a solid or on the surface of a liquid (Britannica, 2013). The
physical nature of adsorption that can be seen is when a condensation of a gas that turns into a
liquid and uses week van der Waals force to stick to a solid adsorbent where no chemical reaction
of some sort occurs during the process. While for chemical nature of adsorption can be seen when
on a condition where it is higher temperature than physical adsorption with a way slower process
and involves activation energy of the chemicals. Chemical reaction that uses catalyst mostly uses
adsorption to reduce activation energy of the reaction.

Based on Liu (2006), Langmuir isotherm and Freundlich isotherm has been widely used
for adsorption process in terms of their equilibrium distribution. To study the behavior of the
chemicals undergoing adsorption process, the two models are being compared. This is due to how
temperature plays an important role on the whole process. To get into the details, Freundlich
adsorption isotherm believes that the adsorbate forms a monomolecular layer on the surface of the
adsorbent. While on the other hand, Langmuir isotherm proposed that the adsorption of a gas on a
surface of a solid is considered as elementary site and adsorb one gas. Both of them have two
different definitions of the concept but have been proven with their own respective formula as per
mentioned.

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Chapter 3: Methodology

3.1 Materials and Apparatus

1) Methyl blue powder

2) Distilled water
3) Activated carbon
4) Beaker
5) Parafilm
6) Measuring cylinder
7) Weighing scale
8) Conical flasks
9) Stir tank
10) Shaker
11) UV-vis spectrophotometer

3.2 Experimental Procedure

1. 125mg of methylene blue was measured in preparing the methylene blue solution
2. After the methylene blue solution was prepared, 100ml of the methylene blue solution was
poured into a flask using a measuring cylinder.
3. The methylene blue solution was then homogenised for about 30 minutes
4. After the homogenised process, 100ml of the methylene blue solution is then poured into
each 6 flasks.
5. Different masses of activated carbon were then weighed in the range of 20mg until 150mg
for 6 flasks.
6. The different masses of activated carbon were then transferred into each conical flask
7. All the conical flasks were then sealed properly by using parafilm and ready for adsorption
process.
8. All the flasks were then arranged on the shaker at the speed of 200 rpm at particular period
for the adsorption process to reach equilibrium.
9. As the adsorption process started, we waited until it reached equilibrium.

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10. A sample was taken from each flask to undergo UV-vis testing. The absorbance value was
recorded
11. The removal efficiency of the methylene blue solutions was then calculated using the
formula below:

𝐼𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 − 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

𝑅𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 = × 100%
𝐼𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

12. Steps 8 until 11 were repeated until the removal efficiency was reached 70% and until the
removal efficiency reached constant, indicating that it had already reached equilibrium.
13. After the adsorption process was completed, the concentration of the remaining methylene
blue was measured.
14. The final concentration of the methylene blue in the solution was recorded.
15. Graphs of Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm were then plotted using the data obtained.
The isotherm with the higher R² value was the best fit of adsorption isotherm.

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CHAPTER 4: Result and Discussion

4.1 Results

Calculation of qe
(𝐶𝑜 − 𝐶𝑒 )𝑉
𝑞𝑒 =
𝑀

(120 − 99.72)0.1
𝑞𝑒 = = 101.4
0.02

log 𝑞𝑒 = log 101.4 = 2.00604

Percentage removal efficiency

𝐶𝑜 − 𝐶𝐸
%𝑅𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑎𝑙 = × 100
𝐶𝑜

120 − 99.72
%𝑅𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑎𝑙 = × 100 = 16.9%
120

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Langmuir isotherm constant calculation

Langmuir
0.016
R² = 0.8226
0.014
0.012
0.01 y = 0.0844x + 0.0089
1/Qe

0.008
0.006
0.004
0.002
0
0 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.07 0.08
1/Ce

Figure 4.1: Linear graph of Langmuir isotherm

Theoretical Isotherm:
𝑞𝑚 𝐾𝐿 𝐶𝑒
𝑞𝑒 =
1 + 𝐾𝐿 𝐶𝑒
Linearized form:
1 1 1 1
=( ) +
𝑞𝑒 𝐾𝐿 𝑞𝑚 𝐶𝑒 𝑞𝑚

1 1
Plot of 𝑣𝑠
𝑞𝑒 𝐶𝑒

Hence:
1
• Slope of the graph = = 0.0844
𝐾𝐿 𝑞𝑚
1
• y-intercept = = 0.0089
𝑞𝑚

qm = 112.36
KL= 0.1054
R2 Value = 0.8226

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Freundlich isotherm constant calculation

Freundlich
2.1
2.05 y = 0.235x + 1.5571
2 R² = 0.8874
Log (Qe)

1.95
1.9
1.85
1.8
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
Log(Ce)

Figure 4.2: Linear graph of Freundlich isotherm

Theoretical Isotherm:
1
𝑞𝑒 = 𝐾𝐹 𝐶𝑒 𝑛

Linearized form:

1
log 𝑞𝑒 = log 𝐾𝐹 + log 𝐶𝑒
𝑛
Plot of log 𝑞𝑒 𝑣𝑠 log 𝐶𝑒
Hence:
1
• Slope of the graph = = 0.235
𝑛
• y-intercept = log 𝐾𝐹 = 1.5571

1/n = 0.235
KF = 36.066

R2 Value = 0.8874

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 Removal(%) vs Mass of carbon(g)
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1 0.12 0.14 0.16

Figure 4.3: Graph of Percentage of removal against Mass of activated carbon

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4.2 Discussion

As shown in Figure 4.1, the adsorption data was examined using the linear version of the
Langmuir isotherm. The plots of 1/q e vs 1/Ce are shown in the diagram above. The graph's slope
and y-intercept are 0.0844 and 0.0089, respectively. The saturated monolayer sorption capacity,
qm, and the adsorption constant, KL, was calculated using the linearised equation's substitution
method above. As a result, KL and qm are 0.1054 and 112.36, respectively. The Langmuir isotherm
gives a pretty good model for the adsorption system, as shown by the R 2 value of 0.8226.

Figure 4.2 shows the linear Freundlich isotherm plots for activated carbon adsorption.
According to the plots, the linear Freundlich isotherm is also an acceptable model for the
adsorption of activated carbon. The graph's slope and y-intercept are 0.235 and 1.5571,
respectively. The KF value was calculated using the index method with the graph's y-intercept
value of 36.066. The magnitude of the exponent 1/n determines the absorption system's
favorability. As stated in the calculation section above, the value of 1/n, 0.235, is less than 1,
indicating that the adsorption is normal and feasible. Therefore, the linear form of the Freundlich
isotherm seems to offer a reasonable model for adsorption for this experiment, based on the R 2
values of 0.8874.

By comparing the error function values, Freundlich isotherm is the most suitable isotherm
for this experiment. This is because the R-squared value for Freundlich isotherm is higher than
Langmuir isotherm.

Figure 4.3 shows the graph of removal efficiency of methylene blue vs mass of activated
carbon. Based on the graph, it is observed that the percentage removal methylene blue able to
achieve up to 87.5% and the graph shows a significant increase of the percentage removal
efficiency as the mass of activated carbon increases from 0.02g to 0.15g. The particular reason of
the behavior shown is because the greater the mass of activated carbon, the greater the surface area
or the greater the adsorptive capacity. Since the experiment able to achieved removal efficiency
up to 87%, the intensity of blue colour methylene blue also faded.

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Chapter 5: Conclusion

In conclusion, the experiment is conducted to obtain at least 70% removal efficiency of methylene
blue as adsorbate by using activated carbon as adsorbent. By using data that is obtained from the
experiment, we are required to find the best fit isotherm for this experiment whether Langmuir
adsorption isotherm or Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The Qe, equilibrium constant of methylene
blue on activated carbon can be calculated by subtracting Ce, equilibrium concentration of
methylene blue from Co, initial concentration of methylene blue and multiply it with volume of
solution which is 100 mL and the whole term will be divided by M, mass of activated carbon used.
For Langmuir isotherm, the graph of 1/Qe against 1/Ce is plotted while for Freundlich isotherm the
graph of log Qe against log Ce is plotted. In order to determine the best fit isotherm, we can compare
the error function values for both plotted graphs. From the graphs, it is found that the R2 value are
0.8826 and 0.8874 for Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm, respectively. Thus, it can be concluded
that Freundlich isotherm is more suitable in this experiment compared to Langmuir isotherm. As
for the percentage removal efficiency, it can be calculated by subtracting Ce from Co and divide
the term with Co. Then, the graph of removal efficiency against mass of activated carbon is plotted.
From the graph, it is observed that as the mass of activated carbon increases, the removal efficiency
increases. This is because as mass increases, the adsorptive capacity increases. Also, in this
experiment we were able to achieve removal efficiency up to 87% when the mass of activated
carbon is 150 mg. therefore, the experiment was successful, and the objectives of the experiment
were achieved.

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References

1. A. (2021, March 22). General Data Protection Regulation(GDPR) Guidelines BYJU'S.

BYJUS. https://byjus.com/jee/adsorption/

2. Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2013, August 6). adsorption. Encyclopedia

Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/adsorption

3. Dąbrowski, A. (2001). Adsorption — from theory to practice. Advances in Colloid and

Interface Science, 93(1–3), 135–224. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0001-8686(00)00082-8

4. Dural MU, Cavas L, Papageorgiou SK, Katsaros FK. Methylene blue adsorption on
activated carbon prepared from Posidonia oceanica (L.) dead leaves: kinetics and
equilibrium studies. Chem Eng J. 2011;168(1):77–85. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2010.12.038.

5. Liu, Y. (2006). Some consideration on the Langmuir isotherm equation. Colloids and
Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 274(1–3), 34–36.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2005.08.029

6. Ren, H., & Zhang, X. (2019). High-Risk Pollutants in Wastewater. Elsevier

Gezondheidszorg.

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