Adsorptive removal of heavy metal ions by activated carbons

Heavy metal removal from aqueous solution onto activated carbons (ACs) by adsorption is briefly reviewed from the aspects of the structure, surface chemistry of ACs, and temperature and pH of aqueous solutions based on our previous studies. Oxygen and nitrogen atoms on the AC surface play an important role as well as solution pH for the adsorption of the heavy metal ions on ACs. In spite of the small uptake amounts of heavy metals indicated so far by ACs, there seems to be much room to study for increasing the adsorption capacity. ACs would still have a high potential for the removal of ionic pollutants in aqueous solution due to their availability and easy regeneration.