Equilibrium and Kinetic Analysis for Cu2+ and Ni2+ Adsorption Onto Na-Mordenite

In the present study, the adsorption behaviors of mordenite (a common zeolite) with respect to Cu2+ and Ni2+ from aqueous solutions were investigated. The sorption data followed the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. The maximum sorption capacities were found to be 9.778 and 5.371 mg/g at pH 6, initial concentration of 40 mg/L and temperature of 30°C for Cu2+ and Ni2+, respectively. The kinetic experimental data fitted the pseudo-second order equation very well and the values of rate constant of adsorption were evaluated. The Na-mordenite could be used as low-cost sorbent to remove copper and nickel ions from aqueous solutions.