The adsorption characteristics of C.I. basic blue 26 (BB26) from aqueous solutions onto H3PO4-activated carbons (ACs) produced from açai stones (Euterpe oleracea Martius) and Brazil nut shells (Bertholletia excelsa H. B. K) were investigated in a batch system. The ACs were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, N2 adsorption at 77 K, mercury porosimetry, and acidity/basicity analysis. The pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order kinetic models and intraparticle diffusion model were used for the kinetic interpretations. The adsorption processes follow the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The Boyd plots revealed that the adsorption processes were mainly controlled by film diffusion. Equilibrium data were analyzed by the Langmuir and Freundlich models, at different temperatures. The equilibrium data were best represented by the Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption processes were found to be favorable, exothermic, and spontaneous. The açai stones and Brazil nut shells-based ACs were shown to be effective adsorbents for removal of BB26 from aqueous solutions.
Keywords: Activated carbon; Adsorption; Açai stone; Basic blue 26; Brazil nut shell; Chemical activation.