NAME : Cliff Msapenda N0235714D

: Kudzaishe Mudhuze N0232911T

: Fidelis Mugwagwa N0232571H
: Tadiwanashe Mukonya N0237201Y
: Courage Murwisi N0237164W
: Munyaradzi Batsanzira N02215840K

FACULTY : ENGINEERING

PROGRAMME : CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

COURSE CODE : ECE 2209

COURSE NAME : CHEMICAL ENGINEERING PROCESS AND

PROJECTS LABORATORY 1B

ENGINEERING INSTRUCTOR : L TSHUMA

EXPERIMENT TITLE : Adsorption Process

Contents

ABSTRACT................................................................................................................................................ 3
1.0 THEORETICAL BACKGROUND .................................................................................................. 3
1.0a Adsorption Basics ....................................................................................................................... 3
1.0b Activated Carbon ........................................................................................................................ 3
1.0c Titration Techniques ................................................................................................................... 4
1.0d Environmental Implications ........................................................................................................ 4
1.1 Equations........................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 AIMS ............................................................................................................................................ 5
1.3 Objectives ..................................................................................................................................... 5
2.0 EXPERIMENTAL ............................................................................................................................ 5
2.1 Apparatus/Materials ...................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 PROCEDURE ............................................................................................................................... 7
2.2a Preparation of 500ml of 1M HCl ............................................................................................ 7
2.2b Preparation sodium hydroxide solutions ................................................................................. 8
2.2c Adsorption ............................................................................................................................... 8
2.2d Titration................................................................................................................................... 8
2.3 SAFETY ....................................................................................................................................... 8
3.0 ANALYSIS OF RESULTS .............................................................................................................. 8
3.1 Sample Calculations...................................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Table Of Results ......................................................................................................................... 10
3.3 Discussion of Results .................................................................................................................. 10
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................. 11
References ............................................................................................................................................. 11
ABSTRACT

This experiment aimed to investigate the adsorption process of sodium ions from synthetic
water using activated carbon as an adsorbent. The methodology involved the preparation of
sodium ion solutions using sodium hydroxide, followed by titration with hydrochloric acid to
determine the initial and final concentrations of sodium ions. Activated carbon was introduced
to the solutions of different concentrations of sodium to assess its effectiveness in removing
sodium ions through adsorption. By measuring the concentration changes before and after
treatment, the study evaluated the adsorption capacity and kinetics of activated carbon. The
findings aim to enhance our understanding of activated carbon’s role in water purification,
particularly in removing specific contaminants like sodium ions, and may inform future
applications in environmental remediation and water treatment technologies.

1.0 THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

The adsorption of ions from aqueous solutions is a critical process in environmental chemistry,
particularly in water treatment applications. This experiment focuses on the adsorption of
sodium ions (𝑁𝑎 + ) using activated carbon, a widely used adsorbent known for its high surface
area and porous structure. (Zhou and Wang, 2018)

1.0a Adsorption Basics

Adsorption is the process by which atoms, ions, or molecules from a liquid or gas adhere to
the surface of a solid. In this case, sodium ions stick to the surface of activated carbon. This
interaction is primarily due to physical forces, which allows sodium ions to be removed from
the water. (Yiacoumi, S., and Tien, 1995)

1.0b Activated Carbon

Activated carbon is produced from carbonaceous materials through processes that create a
network of pores, enhancing its surface area, typically exceeding 1000 m²/g. (Morozovska,
2023) Its effectiveness as an adsorbent is influenced by factors such as pore size distribution,
surface chemistry, and the presence of functional groups, which can affect ion affinity.
1.0c Titration Techniques
The experiment employs titration using NaOH and HCl, with phenolphthalein as an indicator.
Phenolphthalein changes color from pink to colorless when titrated using HCl, signaling the
endpoint of the titration. This color change allows for accurate determination of the sodium
ion concentration before and after treatment with activated carbon, providing insight into its
effectiveness in ion removal.

1.0d Environmental Implications

Understanding how to remove sodium ions is important, especially in areas where high
sodium levels can harm soil and water quality. (Bissett and Paul, 2004) This experiment
helps to assess the potential of activated carbon to reduce sodium contamination, contributing
to better water management practices. (Engwa, Ferdinand, Nwalo and Unachukwu, 2019)

This theoretical background supports the experiment's design, guiding the investigation into
how effectively activated carbon can remove sodium ions. This knowledge is essential for
developing efficient water treatment solutions and promoting environmental sustainability.

1.1 Equations

% 𝑜𝑓 𝐻𝐶𝑙 × 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝐻𝐶𝑙

𝑀𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 = × 10
𝑀𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝐻𝐶𝑙

𝑀1 𝑉1 = 𝑀2 𝑉2

𝐶1 𝑉1 = 𝐶2 𝑉2

𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠
𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 =
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒
 𝑀𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 = 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 × 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒

1.2 AIMS
To investigate the adsorption process of sodium ions from synthetic water using activated
carbon

1.3 Objectives
1. T o prepare synthetic water containing sodium hydroxide at a fixed concentration.

2. To vary the amount of activated carbon used in the adsorption process to determine its
effect on sodium removal efficiency.

3. To maintain a constant concentration of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide

throughout the experiment.

4. To measure the reaction time for sodium ions adsorption under different conditions.

2.0 EXPERIMENTAL

2.1 Apparatus/Materials

Retort Stand

Burette

Pipette

Pipette Filler

5 x 100ml Volumetric Flask

1 x 250ml Volumetric Flask

1 x 500ml Volumetric Flask

1 x 600ml Glass Beaker

1 x 600ml Plastic Beaker

1 x 400ml Glass Beaker

1 x 25ml Plastic Measuring Cylinder

5 x 100ml Plastic Measuring Cylinder

1 x 500ml Plastic Measuring Cylinder

White Tile

5 x Filter Funnels

5 x Plastic Bottles

Stirring Rod

Balance

Shaker

Magnetic Stirrer

Filter Paper

Activated Carbon

32% Hydrochloric Acid

Sodium Hydroxide Granules

Dropper

2x Syringes
 Beaker Measuring
Retort Stand
Cylinder
Bottles
Burette Dropper
Filler
r

Funnels

Latex Volumetric
Gloves Flask

NaOH
32% HCl
Granules

White Tile
Activated
Carbon

Figure 2.

Filter
Paper
Electronic
Balance

2.2 PROCEDURE
2.2a Preparation of 500ml of 1M HCl
I measured 48ml of 32% concentrated HCl using a pipette. I added a little amount of distilled
water in a 500ml volumetric flask (always add acid to water). I then slowly added the measured
48ml of HCl in the 500ml volumetric flask. I added distilled water in the volumetric flask until
it reaches the meniscus of the 500ml volumetric flask.
2.2b Preparation sodium hydroxide solutions
I measured 1g of 0.1M NaOH granules using a balance. I placed the 1g of NaOH in 250ml
volumetric flask. I then added distilled water in the volumetric flask and dissolved the granules
with the help of a magnetic stirrer. I then did serial dilution using the equation: 𝑀1 𝑉1 = 𝑀2 𝑉1
to the rest of the different concentrations. I measured the volume of the different concentrations
of NaOH and poured them in different 100ml volumetric flask labelled A to E.

2.2c Adsorption
I measured 5g of activated carbon using a balance. I placed the weighed adsorbent in separate
plastic containers labelled A to E. I added 100ml of each of the different concentrations of
NaOH in corresponding plastic containers with 5g of the adsorbent. I placed the plastic
containers on an orbital shaker for about 2 hours. After 2 hours on the orbital shaker, I then
filtered each mixture using filter paper and funnels to separate the solid adsorbent from the
liquid phase and collected the different filtrates with different concentrations of NaOH.

2.2d Titration
I added about 25ml of each of the filtrates in beakers. In each beaker, I added about 2 drops of
phenolphthalein and the solution turned to pink. I added HCL in a burette. I titrated the
solutions until a colour change from pink to colourless. I recorded the volumes of the HCl used
to reach the end points of the different solutions containing NaOH and the adsorbent. I repeated
the titration thrice and tabulated the results on a table.

2.3 SAFETY
Sodium Hydroxide and HCl are toxic and corrosive in nature, we were provided with latex
gloves and we also made sure that we did not use our mouth as an alternative for a pipette or
syringe. We used lab coats to protect our skin and clothing from spills.

3.0 ANALYSIS OF RESULTS

3.1 Sample Calculations
Preparation of 500ml of 1M HCl from 32% concentrated HCl

% 𝑜𝑓 𝐻𝐶𝑙 × 𝐷𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝐻𝐶𝑙

𝑀𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 = × 10
𝑀𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝐻𝐶𝑙

% of HCl = 32%

Density of HCl = 1.18

Molecular Weight= 36.5

32 × 1.18
𝑀𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 = × 10
36.5

= 10.35

𝑀1 𝑉1 = 𝑀2 𝑉2

1 × 500
𝑉1 =
10.35

= 48.3ml

Preparation Of 250ml of 0.1M NaOH

𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒
𝑀𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 =
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

𝑀𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑁𝑎𝑂𝐻 = 0.1𝑀 × 0.250𝑑𝑚3

= 0.025 moles

𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 = 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 × 𝑀𝑟

= 1g

Preparation of A (100ml 0f 0.04M NaOH) by Serial Dilution

𝐶1 𝑉1 = 𝐶2 𝑉2

0.04 × 100
𝑉2 =
0.1

= 20ml

Final Concentration of NaOH

𝑁𝑎𝑂𝐻 + 𝐻𝐶𝑙 → 𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙 + 𝐻2 𝑂

For A : Volume of HCl used for titration = 0.4ml

: Volume of NaOH used titration = 25ml

 0.4
𝑛(𝐻𝐶𝑙) = 1 ×
1000

= 0.0004 moles

Using Ratios n(NaOH) = 0.0004 moles

0.0004
𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑁𝑎𝑂𝐻 =
(0.025)

= 0.016M

3.2 Table Of Results

Table 3.2.1

Container A B C D E

NaOH(M)initial Concentration 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1

Activated Carbon (g) 5 5 5 5 5

Reaction Time (Hours) 2 2 2 2 2

Titre(ml) 0.4 0.9 1.4 1.9 2.4

NaOH(M)final Concentration 0.016 0.036 0.056 0.076 0.096

3.3 Discussion of Results

As observed, when the initial concentration of NaOH increases from 0.02 M in Container A
to 0.1 M in Container E, the final concentration of NaOH remaining in the solution also tends
to increase. This indicates that less NaOH is being removed from the solution as the
concentration increases. As the initial concentration of NaOH increases, the effectiveness of
activated carbon in adsorbing NaOH decreases. At higher concentrations, the number of
NaOH molecules may exceed the available sites on the activated carbon, reducing the
effectiveness of adsorption. The trend is, the higher the initial concentration, the less the
percentage of NaOH removed by adsorption. This could indicate that the activated carbon has
a limited capacity to adsorb NaOH, which could lead to saturation.
Conclusion
Activated carbon is generally regarded as an effective adsorbent, the results of this experiment
demonstrated limitations in its ability to adsorb sodium ions from the NaOH solution.
Specifically, when activated carbon was exposed to solution A, the sodium ion concentration
decreased only slightly from 0.02M to 0.016M, indicating limited adsorption effectiveness.
Several factors contributed to this outcome. First, excessive shaking during the interaction
between the activated carbon and NaOH may have disrupted the carbon particles, reducing the
effective surface area available for adsorption and preventing optimal contact between the
activated carbon and sodium ions. Additionally, overshooting of hydrochloric acid during the
titration process hindered the accurate determination of NaOH concentration, potentially
impacting the interpretation of the adsorption results. These observations suggest that both the
mechanical handling of activated carbon during the experiment and the precision in titration
are critical for accurately assessing its adsorption capacity. Future studies should focus on
optimizing shaking intensity and titration techniques to improve the reliability of results
regarding sodium ion adsorption on activated carbon.

References
1. Aboulroose, M.A.A., Hamouda, T.M. and Mohamed, R.A. (2017) ‘Adsorption of
sodium ions onto activated carbon: kinetics and thermodynamics’, Journal of
Environmental Chemical Engineering, 5(4), pp. 3556-3564.
2. Bansal, R.C. and Goyal, M. (2005) Activated Carbon Adsorption. CRC Press.
3. Bissett, J. and Paul, T. (2004) ‘Sodium ion adsorption on activated carbon: implications
for water treatment’, Environmental Science and Technology, 38(2), pp. 123-129.
4. Engwa, G. A., Ferdinand, P. U., F. N., and Unachukwu, M. N. (2019). Mechanism and
health effects of heavy metal toxicity in humans.
5. Morozovska, A. N. (2023). Adsorption of ions from aqueous solutions by ferroelectric
nanoparticles.
6. Yiacoumi, S., and Tien, C. (1995). Adsorption of metal ions from Aqueous Solutions:
Algorithm Development. In Kinetics of Metal Ion Adsorption from Aqueous Solutios
(pp. 1-20)
7. Zhou, Y. and Wang, Y. (2018) ‘Experimental study on the adsorption of sodium ions
from aqueous solution by activated carbon’, Journal of Hazardous Materials, 350, pp.
59-66.