Adsorption characteristics of Ni(II) on gamma-type alumina particles and its determination of overall adsorption rate by a differential bed reactor.

The adsorption experiment of nickel ion [Ni(II)] on gamma-type alumina by a differential bed reactor in aqueous solutions was investigated to determine the adsorption characteristics and overall adsorption rate. The adsorbed amount increased rapidly with pH from pH 2 to 6 and kept constant over pH 6. The adsorbed amount of Ni(II) increased with temperature from 20 to 50 degrees C. Correlation coefficients (R2) of Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms were 0.9268 and 0.9489, respectively, and Freundlich isotherm was more suitable for adsorption on gamma-type alumina than Langmuir isotherm. The overall adsorption rate of Ni(II) on gamma-type alumina at pH 6 by a differential bed rector was determined as follows: r = 68.77Ce(1.61) - 17.60qe(0.36). Al(III) ions in solutions were away from the alumina surface during the adsorption of Ni(II) and Al(III) concentration increased with an increasing Ni(II) adsorbed amount on alumina.