The Open Process Chemistry Journal

2009, 2 : 1-5
Published online 2009 February 05. DOI: 10.2174/1875180601002010001
Publisher ID: TOCPCJ-2-1

RESEARCH ARTICLE
 Removal of Nitrite Ions from Aqueous Solutions Using Conducting Electroactive Polymers

R Ansari, * , N. Khoshbakht Fahim and A Fallah Delavar
Chemistry Department, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

* Address correspondence to this author at the Chemistry Department, University of Guilan, Rasht, POB 41335-1914, Iran; Fax: 0098-0131-3233262; E mail: ransari@guilan.ac.ir

ABSTRACT

This paper deals with a new application of polypyrrole (PPy) and polyaniline (PAni) electroactive polymers synthesized chemically, coated on sawdust and then used for removal of NO2- ions from aqueous solutions. Adsorption studies were performed using both batch and column systems at room temperature. The effects of some important parameters such as initial concentration, adsorbent dosage, and contact time on the uptake of NO2- ions were also investigated. PPy and PAni conducting electroactive polymers were found to be effective adsorbents for the uptake of nitrite ions from aqueous solutions. Adsorption studies have shown that pH of the nitrite solution has an important influence on the nitrite ion uptake. In order to find out the possibility of the frequent use of the adsorbent, desorption study was also carried out in this investigation.

Key Words:

Nitrite ion, polypyrrole, polyaniline, sorption, desorption.