Modeling Adsorption of Copper on Amine-Functionalized SBA-15: Predicting Breakthrough Curves

Abstract

Dynamic experiments on the adsorption of copper ions were conducted in a laboratory packed bed containing amine-modified SBA-15 pellets. Breakthrough curves were analyzed at different flow rates and after two adsorption–desorption cycles. A model based on mass balance was developed and tested to predict the breakthrough curves under the different experimental conditions. The model was found to agree with the experimental data. Bed regeneration was performed by circulating a ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid solution through the column.