Temperature Effects Associated with the Adsorption of Neodymium Ions onto Activated Charcoal

Abstract

The temperature dependence of the kinetics of the adsorption of neodymium ions from aqueous solution onto activated charcoal has been studied. The results obtained indicate that a form of equilibration appears to be attained after ca. 30 min although further very slow changes may occur over a much longer period. The adsorption process is controlled by the diffusion of neodymium ions into the pores of the activated charcoal. Adsorption follows first-order kinetics with an activation energy of 13.09 kJ/mol. Values of the equilibrium constant for the adsorption of neodymium ions onto activated charcoal increase with increasing temperature, thereby indicate the endothermic nature of the process.