Abstract:

The adsorptions of three licorice derivatives including, isoliquiritin, liquiritin and glycyrrhizic acid on multi-walled carbon nanotubes(MWNTs), were investigated using UV and HPLC techniques. The effects of adsorption time, initial concentration, solution volume and its pH value on the adsorption of ciprofloxacin are examined. MWNTs have totally different adsorptive capacities toward the three main components. In the multi-component competitive adsorption examination, a noncompetitive adsorption process was observed. The adsorption capacity of MWNTs for isoliquiritin is higher than those for liquiritin and glycyrrhizic acid. MWNTs may be potentially applied to the separation and purification of isoliquiritins.

Key words: MWNTs, effective component of licorice extract, selective adsorption