Interaction between congo red and copper in a binary adsorption system: Spectroscopic and kinetic studies

This study focused on the competitive adsorption of congo red (CR) and copper by chitosan hydrogel beads in a binary adsorption system. Spectroscopic analysis, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were integrated with kinetic studies to elucidate the interaction. It was determined that chitosan hydrogel beads show better adsorption performance towards congo red and copper in single adsorption systems. The addition of copper caused a 25% reduction in congo red adsorption capacity, while copper adsorption was enhanced slightly by the presence of congo red. The adsorption results for binary adsorption systems seem due to competition for the present amine and hydroxyl groups that may occur between congo red and copper. A congo red–copper complex was formed in binary adsorption systems. Copper attached to chitosan hydrogel beads individually or was bound by the congo red–copper complex, which resulted in an increase in adsorption capacity. Chitosan exhibited higher adsorption selectivity to the free Cu2+ ion than the congo red–copper complex in the binary adsorption system. Adsorption of the congo red–copper complex indicated an inhibition in the attachment of the free Cu2+ ion in the form of Cu(II).