Adsorption of Sn(II) on expanded graphite: Kinetic and equilibrium isotherm studies

Expanded graphite (EG) was prepared by microwave irradiation at 1000W for 60s. EG is a novel adsorbent for Sn(II) adsorption and its ability to remove Sn(II) ions from wastewater was investigated. To characterize the adsorptive characteristics of the produced EG, the microstructures of the resultant EG were observed using scanning electron microscopy. Chemical characterization of the surface resultant EG was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effects of pH, adsorbent dosage, initial concentration, temperature, and contact time on the adsorption surface were studied using the batch process technique. The data fitted with the Langmuir equilibrium isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics. The maximum adsorption capacity of Sn(II) on the resultant EG was 378.78mgg(-1).