The pseudo-first order model better fitted the adsorption data of TPC, whereas a better agreement was
found when applying the pseudo-second order model to ACs.
Pseudo-second-order kinetic model is based on the assumption that adsorption is carried out through sharing electrons or by covalent forces between adsorbent and adsorbate (Li et al., 2013; Sun et al., 2012); the fact that the pseudo-second order model better fitted TC adsorption on AC indicates that there are strong interactions between TC and AC, due to the ACs developed microporosity but also to their surface functional groups.