Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized using a modified Hummer’s method for application in the remediation of Cd2+ from aqueous solution. The synthesized GO was characterized using XRD, RAMAN, and SEM. Batch experiments were performed to study the effects of pH, time, and binding capacity of the GO for cadmium ions. The batch pH studies showed a pH dependent binding. The binding increased from pH 2.0 to pH 3.0 and then remained constant thereafter up to pH 6.0. It was determined that stable binding was occurring between the GO and Cd2+ ions at pH 5 which was used in all subsequent reactions. The time dependency studies showed that the majority of the binding occurred within the first five minutes of contact between the GO and the Cd2+ ions and remained relatively constant thereafter. Isotherm studies were performed to determine the binding capacity of the GO for cadmium. The binding isotherms were found to follow the Langmuir Isotherm model. From the fitting of the isotherm data it was determined that GO could bind a maximum of 18.1, 31.1 and 37.3 mg/g of Cd<sup>2+</sup> at 277, 295, and 318 K, respectively. In addition, it was also determined that the adsorption of the Cd<sup>2+</sup> to the GO occurred through a spontaneous, exothermic reaction.

Adsorption of Cd(II) to graphene oxide

256th National Meeting (2018)

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