Purification of Biotechnological Carboxylic Acids with an Adsorption Method Using Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Adsorption is a very important and valuable method for separation of carboxylic acids from aqueous solutions. In this study, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) were used as an adsorbent for this purpose. Important biotechnological acids, tartaric acid and citric acid, were used. The equilibrium time and the adsorption capacity at three different temperatures (25 degrees C, 35 degrees C, and 45 degrees C) were investigated. Reaction kinetics and the diffusion between the acid molecules and SWCNT pores were investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the adsorption capability of SWCNT for carboxylic acids of biological importance from their fermentation media.