Proceedings

This work investigated comparative adsorption of Hydroquinone (HQ) using both a nonfunctionalised polystyrene divinylbenzene cross-linked Macronet (MN200) and commercial Granular Activated Carbon (GAC). The results demonstrate that HQ adsorption follows a pseudo-second order kinetic process, governed by particle diffusion for both sorbents. The uptake capacity was greater for MN200 compared to GAC, as was the rate of adsorption; which is ascribed to differences in the surface areas and
inherent surface chemistries of the sorbents. The Freundlich model described HQ adsorption more appropriately, compared to the Langmuir equation, suggesting that HQ adsorption is a physical process with moderate favourability for both sorbents. Less than 30% of HQ was leached from either sorbent, even after 80h.