A detailed analysis of the adsorption of cationic dyes on spherical carbons is presented. The effectiveness of this process is determined by differences in the textural, structural and morphological properties of adsorbents. The highest efficiency of dye removal from aqueous solutions is achieved when using carbon with the largest specific surface area and the largest pore volumes.

Abstract

The influence of carbon pore structure on the sorption process of selected cationic dyes has been investigated. The structure and surface of carbonaceous materials have been characterized basing on various techniques: scanning electron microscopy, low temperature nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements, X–ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermal analysis combined with identification of gaseous products. The kinetic and equilibrium adsorption measurements of Basic Violet 3, Basic Red 1 and Basic Blue 9 from aqueous media were performed. The studied carbons seem to be promising adsorbents towards dyes, taking into account the easy–to–use uniform spherical form of the granules and a complex type of porosity with micro-, meso- and macropores appropriate for large molecule adsorption.