Adsorption of Nitrobenzene and Benzoic Acid from Aqueous Solution by All-Silica Zeolite Beta

Abstract

All-silica zeolite beta (BEA) was tested for the ability to remove nitrobenzene and benzoic acid from aqueous solution. The effect of contact time, temperature, initial concentration and initial pH were investigated in a batch reactor system. Adsorption of nitrobenzene decreased with increase in temperature. The equilibrium isotherm was L-shaped. Nitrobenzene adsorption was independent of pH. Adsorption of benzoic acid increased with increasing temperature from 5 °C to 22 °C and decreased with increasing temperature from 22°C to 32 °C. The equilibrium isotherm was approximately S-shaped. Benzoic acid adsorption was dependent of pH. At pH8.0, benzoic acid can also be adsorbed effectively. The results above confirmed that BEA had the potential to be utilized as relatively effective adsorbent for nitrobenzene and benzoic acid removal.