Removal of copper(II) from aqueous solution in fixed-bed column by carboxylic acid functionalized deacetylated konjac glucomannan

Carboxylic acid functionalized deacetylated konjac glucomannan (CADKGM) with regular cylinder shape was thermoplastically prepared by a single screw extruder. Thermoplastic deacetylated konjac glucomannan (TDKGM) using for preparation of CADKGM adsorbent showed good rheological processing properties with equilibrium torque of 13.1 N m and plasticizing time of 26 s at 160 °C, which was close to high density polyethylene (HDPE). The scanning electron micrograph results showed that CADKGM was porous inside the structure of the adsorbent. The removal of copper by CADKGM was studied in fixed-bed column. A comprehensive study was conducted to determine the breakthrough curves with varying bed heights, flow rates and initial concentrations. The breakthrough data gave a good fit to Thomas model. The consecutive adsorption–desorption cycles were applied to investigate the reusability of CADKGM. The adsorbed copper ions on CADKGM were easily desorbed by 0.01 mol L−1 HCl solution with desorption efficiency of 98%. The column capacity of CADKGM was not affected by an increase of reusable time.