Synthesis and properties of zeolite/N-doped porous carbon for the efficient removal of chemical oxygen demand and ammonia-nitrogen from aqueous solution

A novel adsorbent zeolite/N-doped porous activated carbon (ZAC) was prepared by the synthesis of zeolite and mesoporous carbon to remove ammonia nitrogen (NH4+–N) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from aqueous solution. The impacts of adhesives, molding pressure, synthetic temperature and ratio on ZAC preparation were investigated. The prepared adsorbent was characterized by BET surface area measurement, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The adsorption kinetics was better depicted by the pseudo-second-order model than the pseudo-first-order model and the isotherm fitted well with the Langmuir model. The adsorption process was endothermic, spontaneous and favorable according to thermodynamic data. The adsorbent has much potential in the simultaneous removal of COD and NH4+–N from wastewater.