Abstract
The functionalization of 2-(4-methylbenzylidene)hydrazone onto chloromethylated styrene–divinylbenzene copolymeric resin has been explored in this study. The structure of the functionalized resin was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy and its use for the adsorption of Ni(II) and Co(II) ions from aqueous solution studied. The effects of pH, initial concentration of metal ion and contact time on the adsorption process were examined using batch experiments. The Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied to the equilibrium adsorption data obtained, when it was found that both isotherms gave a reasonable fit. For initial concentrations of 1000 μg/ℓ, maximum adsorption capacities for Ni(II) and Co(II) ions of 6.67 mg/g and 9.985 mg/g, respectively, were obtained. The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model and the rate constants for this kinetic model were calculated. The experimental results indicated that the functionalized resin has the potential for use as a good adsorbent for the removal of Ni(II) and Co(II) ions from contaminated water.