Heavy metal adsorption characteristics and pore distribution of regenerated cellulose gels prepared from LiOH/Urea Solution

Abstract

This experiment was carried out to study the pore distribution of regenerated cellulose gel (RCG) prepared by using a LiOH/urea solution and the adsorption characteristics of a lead and cadmium. The specific surface area of RCG was higher in the 2% cellulose concentration with a higher number of beads type than the film type. In the case of pore distribution, they were between 50-150 nm of film type RCG. However, large pore, which are more than 150 nm also existed on the beads type RCG. The adsorption characteristics of cadmium and a lead showed the removal efficiency of the beads type RCG was superior to the film type RCG. The heavy metal removal, based on a pH value of 5-6, showed slightly higher efficiency. Moreover, the rate of removal of lead appeared highly comparable with that of cadmium. According of the FT-IR spectrum analysis, heavy metal adsorption of RCG appeared to be due to the absorption of heavy metals by the hydroxyl group within the cellulose.