Adsorption of NH3 onto activated carbon prepared from palm shells impregnated with H2SO4

Adsorption of ammonia (NH3) onto activated carbons prepared from palm shells impregnated with sulfuric acid (H2SO4) was investigated. The effects of activation temperature and acid concentration on pore surface area development were studied. The relatively large micropore surface areas of the palm-shell activated carbons prepared by H2SO4 activation suggest their potential applications in gas adsorption. Adsorption experiments at a fixed temperature showed that the amounts of NH3 adsorbed onto the chemically activated carbons, unlike those prepared by CO2 thermal activation, were not solely dependent on the specific pore surface areas of the adsorbents. Further adsorption tests for a wide range of temperatures suggested combined physisorption and chemisorption of NH3. Desorption tests at the same temperature as adsorption and at an elevated temperature were carried out to confirm the occurrence of chemisorption due to the interaction between NH3 and some oxygen functional groups via hydrogen bonding. The surface functional groups on the adsorbent surface were detected by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The amounts of NH3 adsorbed by chemisorption were correlated with the contents of elemental oxygen present in the adsorbents. Mechanisms for chemical activation and adsorption processes are proposed based on the observed phenomena.     

Microporous activated carbons prepared from palm shell by thermal activation and their application to sulfur dioxide adsorption

Textural characterization of activated carbons prepared from palm shell by thermal activation with carbon dioxide (CO(2)) gas is reported in this paper. Palm shell (endocarp) is an abundant agricultural solid waste from palm-oil processing mills in many tropical countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. The effects of activation temperature on the textural properties of the palm-shell activated carbons, namely specific surface area (BET method), porosity, and microporosity, were investigated. The activated carbons prepared from palm shell possessed well-developed porosity, predominantly microporosity, leading to potential applications in gas-phase adsorption for air pollution control. Static and dynamic adsorption tests for sulfur dioxide (SO(2)), a common gaseous pollutant, were carried out in a thermogravimetric analyzer and a packed column configuration respectively. The effects of adsorption temperature, adsorbate inlet concentration, and adsorbate superficial velocity on the adsorptive performance of the prepared activated carbons were studied. The palm-shell activated carbon was found to have substantial capability for the adsorption of SO(2), comparable to those of some commercial products and an adsorbent derived from another biomass.     

Pore structure and adsorption performance of the KOH-activated carbons prepared from corncob

Carbonaceous adsorbents with controllable surface area were chemically activated with KOH at 780 degrees C from chars that were carbonized from corncobs at 450 degrees C. The pore properties, including BET surface area, pore volume, pore size distribution, and mean pore diameter of these activated carbons, were characterized by the t-plot method based on N(2) adsorption isotherms. Two groups are classified according to the types of adsorption/desorption isotherms. Group I corncob-derived activated carbons, with KOH/char ratios from 0.5 to 2, exhibited BET surface area ranging from 841 to 1221 m(2)/g. Group II corncob-derived activated carbons, with KOH/char rations from 3 to 6, showed high BET surface areas, from 1976 to 2595 m(2)/g. From scanning electron microscopic (SEM) results, the surface morphology of honeycombed holes on corncob-derived activated carbons was significantly influenced by the KOH/char ratios. The adsorption kinetics of methylene blue, basic brown 1, acid blue 74, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 4-chlorophenol, and phenol from water at 30 degrees C were studied on the two groups of activated carbons, which were suitably described by two simplified kinetic models, pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order equations. The effective particle diffusivities of phenols and dyes at the corncob-derived activated carbons of group II are higher than those of ordinary activated carbons. The high-surface-area activated carbons were demonstrated to be promising adsorbents for pollution control and for other applications.     

Adsorption calorimetry

The efficiency of activated carbons prepared from corncob, to remove asphaltenes from toluene modeled solutions, has been studied in this work. The activating agent effect over carbonaceous solid preparation , and also temperature effect on the asphaltenes adsorption on the prepared activated carbons, was studied. The asphaltene adsorption isotherms were determined, and the experimental data were analyzed applying the Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich–Peterson, Toth and Radke–Prausnitz and Sips models. Redlich–Peterson model described the asphaltenes isotherm on the activated carbons better. The asphaltenes adsorption capacities at 25° for activated carbons were: 1305 mg g^?1, 1654 mg g^?1 and 559.1 mg g^?1 for GACKOH, GACKP and GACH₃PO₄, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS° were also evaluated from the adsorption isotherms in asphaltene solutions from toluene solutions, and it was found that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. Kinetic parameters, reaction rate constant and equilibrium adsorption capacities were evaluated and correlated for each kinetic model. The results show that asphaltene adsorption is described by pseudo-second-order kinetics, suggesting that the adsorption process is chemisorption. The adsorption calorimetry was used to analyze the type of interaction between the asphaltenes and the activated carbons prepared in this work, and their values were compared with the enthalpic values obtained from the Clausius–Clapeyron equation.

     

Adsorption of organic compounds onto activated carbons from recycled vegetables biomass

The removal of organic species from aqueous solution by activated carbons is investigated. The latter ones are prepared from olive husks and almond shells. A wide range of surface area values are obtained varying temperature and duration of both carbonization and activation steps. The adsorption isotherm of phenol, catechol and 2,6-dichlorophenol involving the activated carbons prepared are obtained at 25 degrees C. The corresponding behavior is quantitatively correlated using classical isotherm, whose parameters are estimated by fitting the equilibrium data. A two component isotherm (phenol/2,6-dichlorophenol) is determined in order to test activated carbon behavior during competitive adsorption.     

Effect of inorganic compounds in the activated carbon phase and in solution on the adsorption of gold(I) cyanide complex

Inorganic impurities (ash) in the composition of activated carbons of the H-type (AG-90, WSC-208C, and Norit RO 3515) and their effect on the adsorption of Na[Au(CN)₂] from alkaline cyanide solutions were studied. Variants of presorption acid washing of carbons to raise their reactivity in the sorption process of Au(I) recovery from cyanide solutions and pulps and the order of technological procedures for diminishing the loss of Au(I) and adsorbent were considered. The effect of some solution components on the adsorption kinetics of the noble metal was characterized.     

Adsorption of toluene and toluene–water vapor mixture on almond shell based activated carbons

The aim of work is to study the adsorption of a common volatile organic compound such as toluene using activated carbons prepared by chemical activation with phosphoric acid of a lignocellulosic precursor, almond shell, under different conditions. The Impregnation ratio, temperature and time of activation were modified to obtain activated carbons with different characteristics. Regarding the characteristics of the activated carbons, the effects of porous structure and surface chemistry on the toluene adsorption capacity from toluene isotherms have been analysed. Results show that the control of properties of the activated carbons, particularly porous structure, highly dependent on the preparation conditions, plays a decisive role on the toluene adsorption capacity of the activated carbons. Concerning the experiments of toluene adsorption conducted in dynamic mode, activated carbons prepared at low temperatures of activation show higher breakthrough times than those obtained for activated carbons prepared at higher activation temperatures. The amount of toluene adsorbed in presence of water vapor in the gas stream lead to a decrease ranging from 33 to 46 % except for carbons prepared at higher temperatures activated that show only a slight decrease in the amount of toluene adsorbed. Activated carbons can be regenerated with soft heat treatment showing a slight decrease in the adsorption capacity. The high toluene adsorption capacities as well as the high breakthrough times obtained in presence of water vapor make these activated carbons suitable for commercial applications.     

Preparation and characterization of highly mesoporous spherical activated carbons from divinylbenzene-derived polymer by ZnCl(2) activation

Highly mesoporous spherical activated carbons (SACs) were prepared from divinylbenzene-derived polymers by ZnCl(2) activation; the effects of activation temperature and retention time on the yield and textural properties of the resulting SACs were studied. SACs thus prepared were characterized by N(2) adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and aqueous adsorption assays. All the SACs were generated with high yield (>54%) and high mesopore fraction (around 80%). SEM and XRD analyses of SAC28 verified the presence of the disordered micrographite stacking with developed mesoporosity. Compared with conventional activated carbons, SAC28 prepared in our study exhibited a comparable adsorption capacity of 190 mg g(-1) for bisphenol A and even more excellent capacity of 330 mg g(-1) for phenol. Bisphenol A preloading significantly reduced the adsorption capacity of SAC28 for phenol due to both reduction of adsorption sites and pore blockage.     

Preparation of activated carbon from sawdust by zinc chloride activation

A series of activated carbons were prepared from sawdust by zinc chloride activation in different operation conditions. The effects of operation parameters such as impregnation ratio, activation temperature and time on the adsorption properties of activated carbons were measured and analyzed in order to optimize these operation conditions. The experimental results show that under the experimental circumstances studied, both the yield and the adsorption for iodine and methylene blue of activated carbon can reach a relatively higher value in the chemical activation process with the impregnation ratio of 100% ZnCl₂/sawdust in the activation temperature of 500 °C carbonized for 60–90 minutes which are the optimum activation conditions in making wood activated carbon. The most important operation parameter in chemical activation with zinc chloride was found to be the impregnation ratio.     

Adsorption of tetraalkylammonium ions on microporous and mesoporous activated carbons prepared from vinylidene chloride copolymer

The adsorption of tetraalkylammonium ions on microporous (AC-micro) and mesoporous (AC-meso) activated carbons prepared from vinylidene chloride copolymer was investigated. The adsorbed amounts on AC-micro decreased in the order of tetraethyl-, tetrapropyl-, hexadecyltrimetyl-, and tetrahexylammonium bromide. Consequently it is suggested that the pore size of the activated carbon plays an important role in the adsorption. The adsorbed amounts on AC-meso increased with increasing alkyl chain length. In the case of mesoporous activated carbon, hydrophobic interaction between tetraalkylammonium ions and the surface of activated carbons contributes to in the adsorption.     

Mechanism of Adsorption of Dyes and Phenols from Water Using Activated Carbons Prepared from Plum Kernels

The kinetics and mechanism of adsorption of two commercial dyes (BR22, AB25), phenol, and 3-chlorophenol from water on activated carbons were studied at 30 degrees C. The activated carbons were prepared from plum kernels, and the activation temperature and time tested were in the ranges 750-900 degrees C and 1-4 h, respectively. Three simplified kinetic models including a pseudo-first-order, a pseudo-second-order, and an intraparticle diffusion model were tested. It was shown that the adsorption of both phenols could be fitted to a pseudo-second-order rate law, and that of both dyes could be fitted to an intraparticle diffusion model. Kinetic parameters were calculated and correlated with the physical properties of the adsorbents. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.     

Criteria for choice of a brand of activated carbon for hydrometallurgical recovery of gold from ore pulps in carbon-in-leaching and carbon-in-pulp processes

Criteria used to choose activated carbons suitable for sorption recovery of the [Au(CN)₂]^- anion from cyanide ore pulps are considered. Results obtained in the development of authors’ own tests for determining the mechanical strength and loss of carbons via their disintegration in this technological process are presented. Changes occurring on the surface of grains of activated carbon in its agitation in abrasive media and specific features of the design of sorption apparatus that can be used for rationally carrying out carbon-in-pulp and carbon-in-leaching processes are discussed.     

Comparative study for the removal of methylene blue via adsorption and photocatalytic degradation

Physically and chemically activated carbons were prepared from date pits and olive stones. Titania and WO(x)-TiO(2)/MCM-41 were prepared as photoactive catalysts. Surface characterizations were investigated from ash content, pH, base neutralization capacities and FT-IR techniques. The textural characteristics, namely specific surface area (S(BET)) and pore texture, were determined from low temperature adsorption of N(2) at 77 K. The decolorization of aqueous solution of methylene blue was performed by means of two alternative methods. Steam-activated carbons own higher surface area compared with ZnCl(2)-activated carbons, and the micropore surface area represents the major contribution of the total area. Steam-activated carbons were the most efficient decolorizing adsorbents owing to its higher surface area, total pore volume and the basic nature of the surface. The calculated values of DeltaG(0), DeltaH(0) and DeltaS(0) indicate the spontaneous behavior of adsorption. The photocatalytic degradation is more convenient method in decolorizing of methylene blue compared with the adsorption process onto activated carbons.     

Phosphoric acid activated carbon as borderline and soft metal ions scavenger

Three activated carbons have been prepared, two from oil-palm shell and one from coconut shell, by the phosphoric acid activation process. Adsorption isotherms of copper(II) were determined to evaluate and compare the performance of experimental carbons. The obtained data are fitted very well to Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models. All prepared activated carbons show 4–7-fold high adsorption capacity (q_max 19.5–23/18.6–21?mg?g^?1) than that of the commercial ones (q_max 5.6/2.9?mg?g^?1) under the conducted experimental conditions. The mechanism of adsorption was evaluated from the competitive adsorption of copper(II) and calcium(II) in a binary solution depending on their behaviour as Lewis acid and assessed as inner-sphere complexation. The competitive adsorption of copper(II) with other borderline and soft metal ions was evaluated by the best scavenger using a solution of ternary solute of copper(II), nickel(II) and lead(II). The adsorption selectivity order is determined as follows: Pb?>?Cu???Ni.     

Role of Microporosity of Activated Carbons on Their Adsorption Abilities for Phenols and Dyes

The amounts of adsorption of two commercial dyes, phenol, and 4-chlorophenol from water on activated carbons were measured at 30°C. The carbons were prepared from cane (bagasse) piths and were activated by steam. The activation temperature and time were in the ranges of 750–840°C and 2 h, respectively. It was shown that the isotherm data of all four solutes could be well fitted by the Langmuir equation under the conditions studied. The adsorption capacities of the solutes were correlated with the microporosity properties of the activated carbons including micropore volume and external surface area. Finally, the adsorption characteristics of the present carbons was compared with those prepared from various agricultural wastes.     

Adsorption of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate on activated carbons: effects of solution chemistry and presence of bacteria

The objective of the present investigation was to determine the effectiveness of activated carbon in removing sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) and to analyze the chemical and textural characteristics of the activated carbons that are involved in the adsorption process. Studies were also performed on the influence of operational variables (pH, ionic strength, and presence of microorganisms) and on the kinetics and interactions involved in the adsorption of this pollutant on activated carbon. The kinetics study of SDBS adsorption revealed no problems in its diffusion on any of the activated carbons studied, and Weisz-Prater coefficient (C WP) values were considerably lower than unity for all activated carbons studied. SDBS adsorption isotherms on these activated carbons showed that: (i) adsorption capacity of activated carbons was very high (260-470 mg/g) and increased with larger surface area; and (ii) dispersive interactions between SDBS and carbon surface were largely responsible for the adsorption of this pollutant. SDBS adsorption was not significantly affected by the solution pH, indicating that electrostatic adsorbent-adsorbate interactions do not play an important role in this process. The presence of electrolytes (NaCl) in the medium favors SDBS adsorption, accelerating the process and increasing adsorption capacity. Under the working conditions used, SDBS is not degraded by bacteria; however, the presence of bacteria during the process accelerates and increases SDBS adsorption on the activated carbon. Microorganism adsorption on the activated carbon surface increases its hydrophobicity, explaining the results observed.     

Adsorption of methyl orange using activated carbon prepared from lignin by ZnCl2 treatment

Lignocellulosic materials are good and cheap precursors for the production of activated carbon. In this study, activated carbons were prepared from the lignin at different temperatures (200 to 500°C) by ZnCl₂. The effects influencing the surface area of the resulting activated carbon are activation temperature, activation time and impregnation ratio. The optimum condition, are found an impregnation ratio of 2, an activation temperature of 450°C, and an activation time of 2 h. The results showed that the surface area and micropores volume of activated carbon at the experimental conditions are achieved to 587 and 0.23 cm³ g^?1, respectively. The adsorption behavior of methyl orange dye from aqueous solution onto activated lignin was investigated as a function of equilibrium time, pH and concentration. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models were applied to describe the equilibrium isotherms. A maximum adsorption capacity of 300 mg g^?1 of methyl orange by activated carbon was achieved.     

The effect of heating temperature and nitric acid treatments on the performance of Cu- and Zn-based broad spectrum respirator carbons

Impregnated activated carbons (IACs) that are used in broad spectrum gas mask applications have historically contained copper and/or zinc impregnants. The addition of an oxidizing agent, such as nitric acid (HNO(3)) can be useful in distributing the metallic impregnants uniformly on the activated carbon substrate. In this work, we study IACs prepared from copper nitrate (Cu(NO(3))(2)) and zinc nitrate (Zn(NO(3))(2)) precursors as a function of HNO(3) content present in the impregnating solution and as a function of heating temperature. The gas adsorption capacity of the IACs was determined by dynamic flow testing using sulfur dioxide (SO(2)), ammonia (NH(3)), hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and cyclohexane (C(6)H(12)) challenge gases under dry and humid conditions. The thermal decomposition and distribution of the impregnant on the activated carbon substrate is studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal analysis techniques. Relationships between gas adsorption capacity, impregnant distribution and the species of surface impregnants are discussed.     

树脂基球状活性炭的制备及对二氧化碳吸附性能的研究

以四种离子交换树脂（两种强碱性树脂D201和D280、两种弱碱性树脂D301G和D301R）为原料,经过磺化、炭化、活化处理制备了树脂基球状活性炭。采用TG、SEM、N₂吸附等对球状活性炭的收率、表面形貌、比表面积进行了表征,研究了所制球状活性炭对CO₂的吸附性能。结果表明,磺化处理有助提高树脂球的炭化收率;得到的四种球状活性炭对CO₂吸附性能良好,强碱性树脂球原料比弱碱性树脂球更具有优势,其中,由强碱性树脂球D201制得的树脂球状活性炭在30 ℃下对CO₂的吸附量可达2.57 mmol/g;十次循环吸附之后,树脂球仍能保持很好的CO₂吸附性能。