Abstract:In order to study the optimization of Cu(Ⅱ) adsorption conditions with pomelo peel-based activated carbon and its adsorption mechanism, synthesized pomelo peel-based activated carbon was characterized by SEM, XRD, FI-IR, N2 adsorption and thermogravimetric analysis. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the adsorption conditions of Cu(Ⅱ), and adsorption mechanism was investigated by kinetics and adsorption isotherm. The results show that pore volume, pore structure and surface roughness of pomelo peel-based activated carbon rise significantly after MgCl2 activation. Large number of disordered layered graphite microcrystals and graphite-like microcrystals exist in synthesized activated carbon materials. Synthesized pomelo peel-based activated carbon contains a large number of - OH, -C=C and -C-H groups. The average pore size and specific surface area of pomelo peel-based activated carbon are 4.165 nm and 3.207 m2/g respectively. After optimization of response surface methodology, the optimum process conditions for adsorption of Cu(Ⅱ) by pomelo peel-based activated carbon include temperature of 20.04 ℃, initial pH value of 9, reaction time of 40 min, and initial concentration of Cu(Ⅱ) of 60 mg/L. The predicted removal efficiency is 84.99%, and the actual removal efficiency is 84.14%. The sequence of affecting adsorption of Cu(Ⅱ) by pomelo peel-based activated carbon is initial pH value, temperature, initial Cu(Ⅱ) concentration, and reaction time. Cu(Ⅱ) adsorption by pomelo peel-based activated carbon conforms to quasi-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isothermal adsorption model.