Application of heterogeneous adsorbents in removal of dimethyl phthalate: Equilibrium and heat

Abstract Aminated resin (NDA‐101) and oxidized resin (NDA‐702) were synthesized to remove Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) from the contaminated water. The equilibrium and heat properties in the course of adsorption process were examined and compared with two commercial heterogeneous adsorbents, namely an acrylic ester resin (Amberlite XAD‐7) and a coal‐based granular activated carbon (AC‐750). The associated equilibrium isotherms can be well fitted by Freundlich equation and the adsorption capacities for DMP followed the order: NDA‐702 > NDA‐101 > AC‐750 > XAD‐7. The surface of XAD‐7 was demonstrated to be relatively homogeneous through surface energy heterogeneity analysis, offering the sole hydrogen bonding interaction. Contrarily, heterogeneous surface of oxidized resins NDA‐702 and the aminated resins NDA‐101 exhibited a promising adsorption capacity and affinity toward DMP probably derived by multiple hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, and micropore filling interactions. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010