The Role of Background Electrolyte on Metal Ion Adsorption

The removal of heavy metals from water by adsorption on to a solid surface has been a widely studied area due to its suitability for removal of these toxins from water. Despite this, not all forces in the adsorption process are completely understood. Because of this, predictive empirical models cannot always explain the adsorption behaviour observed experimentally. This research explores both the role of solvation and how altering the background electrolyte can affect the adsorption process, to contribute to the greater understanding of the metal ion adsorption phenomenon.