The adsorption of three metal ions, Cu(II), Ni(II), and Pb(II), is performe
d by activated carbon cloths (ACC). Two adsorbents, CS 1501 (with more than
96% of micropore volume) and RS 1301 (with 32% of mesopore volume), are st
udied. Batch experiments are carried out to assess kinetic and equilibrium
parameters. They allow kinetic data, transfer coefficients, and maximum ads
orption capacities to be computed. These parameters show the fast external
film transfer of metal ions on fibers, because of their low diameter (10 mu
m). Intraparticular diffusion coefficients are lower than those obtained wi
th a granular activated carbon, but maximum adsorption capacities agree wit
h literature values for GAC. They show the dependency of adsorption on meta
l ion size and ACC porosity, the largest cation Pb(II) being more adsorbed
by the mesoporous cloth. The pH effect is studied, and pH adsorption edges
are determined. They are short, only 2 pH units, and located below the prec
ipitation edges. A decrease of equilibrium pH with an increase of metal ion
concentration, coupled with a regeneration study of saturated ACC by HCl,
lead us to propose an adsorption mechanism by ion-exchange between metal ca
tions and H+ ions at the ACC surface. Carboxylic groups seem especially inv
olved in this mechanism, and precipitation between metal ions could happen.