Removal of Cu²⁺ in mine drainage by using nanoscale zero-valent iron loaded activated carbon

The loading of nanoscale zero valent iron particles on granular activated carbon can efficiently solve problem of the oxidation and clustering of nano zero valent iron. In addition, the specific surface area and stability of nano zero valent iron can be increased. SEM, specific surface area and pore size analysis and XPS were used to characterize the materials. The nano zero valence iron is filled in the pores of activated carbon whose particle size is between 50~100 nm. The removal experiments were performed on the Cu²⁺ solution (50 mg/L) by using this material. When the iron content is 10.99 %, the dosage 15 mg/L, the pH 5, reaction time 24 h, the removal rate of Cu²⁺ reaches 85.06 %. The results show that the material has a good removal effect on Cu²⁺ in the aqueous phase.