Removal of Zinc Ions from Aqueous Solution Using Polyaniline Nanocomposite Coated on Rice Husk

In this research, the preparation of polyaniline (PAn)/ rice husk nanocomposite as adsorbent was discussed and the capability of adsorbing zinc is studied. The polyaniline nanocomposite was prepared in presence of KIO as an oxidant, coated on rice husk ash via casting method. The morphology and chemical 3 structure of absorbent evaluated by with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. Batch studies were performed to evaluate the influence of various experimental parameters such as pH, adsorbent dosage and contact time. Optimum conditions for zinc removal were found to be pH 3, adsorbent dosage of 10 g/L and equilibrium time of 20 minutes. The equilibrium adsorption isotherm was better described by Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The adsorption capacity (q ) of PAn/RH for zinc ions in terms of monolayer adsorption was 24.3 mg/g.