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.     

Ionic surfactant adsorption onto activated carbons

The adsorption of sodium dodecyl sulfate onto a set of activated carbons from aqueous solutions has been studied in the low concentration range. The adsorption isotherms are reasonably well fitted by a double Langmuir equation but the calorimetry of adsorption enthalpies shows a rather wide distribution of energies. This distribution is related to direct adsorbate-adsorbent interactions in pores of different size, without noticeable contributions from the chemical nature of the surface. The adsorbate-adsorbent interaction free energy through water is evaluated using the model proposed by van Oss and co-workers for the interfacial free energy. The obtained results indicate that the calculated free energy is in good agreement with that found from application of the double Langmuir equation to the adsorption isotherms.     

Adsorption of phenol by oil-palm-shell activated carbons

Steam activated carbons from oil-palm shells were prepared and used in the adsorption of phenol. The activated carbon had a well-developed mesopore structure which accounted for 45% of the total pore volume. The BET surface area of the activated carbon was 1183 m²/g and a total pore volume of 0.69 cm³/g using N₂ adsorption at 77 K. The adsorption capacity of the activated carbon for phenol was 319 mg/g of adsorbent at 298 K. The adsorption isotherms could be described by both the Langmuir-Freundlich and the Langmuir equations. The adsorption kinetics consisted of a rapid initial uptake phase, followed by a slow approach to equilibrium. A new multipore model is proposed that takes into account of a concentration dependent surface diffusion coefficient within the particle. This model is an improvement to the traditional branched pore model. The theoretical concentration versus time curve generated by the proposed model fitted the experimental data for phenol adsorption reasonably well. Phenol adsorption tests were also carried out on a commercial activated carbon known as Calgon OLC Plus 12×30 and the agreement between these adsorption data and the proposed model was equally good.     

Adsorption of valeric acid from aqueous solution onto activated carbons: role of surface basic sites

Adsorption of valeric acid was studied on two activated carbons of different origins, wood and bituminous coal. The effect of oxidation on the adsorption uptake was investigated. Both initial samples were oxidized with nitric acid, which caused the introduction of a significant number of oxygen-containing groups onto the carbon surface. Boehm titration, potentiometric titration, thermal analysis, and sorption of nitrogen were used for detailed surface characterization. Valeric acid adsorption from aqueous solution was measured at 333 K. The calculated isotherms showed a good fitting to the Freundlich equation. The capacity coefficients revealed a direct correlation with the number of basic groups present on the surface. The amount of valeric acid adsorbed at its low concentration is dependent on the number of basic groups, whereas at high concentration the amount adsorbed depends on the volume of micropores smaller than 10 A, where the adsorption potential is the strongest.     

Adsorption of simple aromatic compounds on activated carbons

The adsorption of model aromatic compounds (phenol, aniline, nitrobenzene) on modified activated carbons has been investigated. Electrostatic and dispersive adsorbate/adsorbent interactions are involved in this process. Their influence on the uptake of the above mentioned aromatic compounds has been evaluated using different solution pH conditions and activated carbon samples with different surface chemistries. These samples were obtained by modification of a commercial activated carbon by means of chemical treatment with HNO3 (acid sample) and thermal treatment under a flow of H2 (basic sample). The textural properties were not significantly changed after these modifications. The best uptake for all the adsorptives under most of the pH conditions used corresponded to the basic sample, which means that dispersive interactions are the most important in this process. However, electrostatic interactions cannot be neglected, as can be seen from the uptakes for the same sample at different pH. In the case of aniline at pH 2, electrostatic interactions are predominant, and the best uptake corresponds to the acid sample. The influence of textural properties on the adsorption process was also investigated, by comparing with another commercial activated carbon. As expected, for this type of organic compounds the uptake increases with the micropore surface area.     

Adsorption of water vapor on modified activated carbons

Summary The adsorption isotherms of water vapor on modified activated carbons are measured in order to study the role of various surface groups in the primary adsorption of water molecules on these adsorbents. These adsorption isotherms are analysed by means of the Dubinin-Serpinsky and Jovanovic equations, which take into account the special features of water vapor adsorption on microporous activated carbons. Numerical analysis of the measured adsorption isotherms by means of the above mentioned equations showed their limited applicability for interpreting adsorption mechanism of water molecules on activated carbons.

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Adsorption von Wasserdampf auf modifizierter Aktivkohle

Zusammenfassung Die Adsorptionsisothermen von Wasserdampf auf modifizierter Aktivkohle wurden gemessen, um die Rolle verschiedener Oberflächentypen auf die Primäradsorption von Wassermolekülen auf diesen Adsorbenzien zu untersuchen. Die Adsorptionsisothermen wurden mittels der Dubinin-Serpinsky- und Jovanovic-Gleichungen analysiert, welche die speziellen Eigenheiten von Wasser auf mikroporöser Aktivkohle berücksichtigen. Die numerische Analyse der gemessenen Adsorptionsisothermen mittles der genannten Gleichungen zeigte ihre limitierte Anwendbarkeit zur Interpretation von Adsorptionsmechanismen von Wassermolekülen auf modifizierter Aktivkohle.

     

Adsorption characteristics of activated carbons obtained from corncobs

Dried, crushed, corncobs were carbonized at 500°C and steam activated (in one- or two-step schemes), or activated with H₃PO₄. The products were characterized by N₂ adsorption at 77 K, using the BET, _s and DR methods. Adsorption capacity was demonstrated by the iodine and phenol numbers, and the isotherms of methylene blue and Pb²⁺ ions, from aqueous solutions. A distribution of porosity in the carbons was estimated within the various ranges (ultra-, super-, meso- and macropores). Simple carbonization yields a poor adsorbing carbon; only its uptake for iodine was high and proposed to be due to an addition reaction on residual unsaturation of the parent lignocellulosic structures. Enhanced porosity was best associated with chemical activation and/or steam pyrolysis at 700°C. These activated carbons proved highly porous and rich in mesopores, and showed high adsorption capacity for methylene blue and Pb²⁺ ions. Phenol uptake was found to depend on surface chemical nature of the carbon rather than its porous properties. Corncobs were postulated to be feasible as feedstock to produce good adsorbing carbons, under the one-step activation schemes outlined here.     

Adsorption of lignite-derived humic acids on coal-based mesoporous activated carbons

The adsorption by a coal-based mesoporous activated carbon of humic acids (HAs) isolated from two Polish lignites was studied. For comparison, a commercial Aldrich humic acid was also included into this study. The differences in chemical structure and functional groups of HAs were determined by elemental analysis and infrared spectroscopy DRIFT. Two activated carbons used differed in terms of mesopore volume, mesopore size distribution, and chemical properties of the surface. The kinetics of adsorption of HAs have been discussed using three kinetic models, i.e., the first-order Lagergren model, the pseudo-second-order model, and the intraparticle diffusion model. It was found that the adsorption of HAs from alkaline solution on mesoporous activated carbon proceeds according to the pseudo-second-order model. The correlation coefficients were close to 1. The intraparticle diffusion of HA molecules within the carbon particle was identified to be the rate-limiting step. Comparing the two activated carbons, the carbon with a higher volume of pores with widths of 10-50 nm showed a greater removal efficiency of HA. An increase in the Freundlich adsorption capacity with decreasing carbon content of HA was observed. Among the HAs studied, S-HA shows characteristics indicating the highest contribution of small-size fraction. The S-HA was removed by both activated carbons to the highest extent. The effect of pH solution on the adsorption of HA was examined over the range pH 5.4-12.2. It was found that the extent of adsorption decreased with decreasing pH of the solution.     

Adsorption of vapor mixtures of water and organic substance on activated carbons

The isotherms of water adsorption in the presence of an organic substance vapor with a specified concentration are calculated from experimental data on the joint frontal dynamics of adsorption of water vapor and several organic substances (benzene, hexane, cyclohexane, tetrachloromethane, and perfluorotripropylamine) on two samples of activated carbons. The influence of the organic substances on the equilibrium water adsorption decreases with an increase in the molecule size.     

Adsorption of naphthalene and pyrene from isooctane solutions on commercial activated carbons

The adsorption of naphthalene and pyrene on two different types of commercial activated carbons was studied by batch and column experiments. Adsorption equilibrium was measured at three different temperatures. Heats of adsorption were estimated from the equilibrium results and compared to other previous reports. From the column experiments, using parameters obtained from the batch experiments and literature correlations, effective surface diffusivities were estimated for naphthalene and pyrene on both adsorbents in different feed concentrations. The corrected diffusivities, using Darken equation, appear to be almost constant for naphthalene (ca. 1.3⋅10⁻⁸ cm²/min), and for pyrene (ca. 2.3⋅10⁻¹⁰ cm²/min), in both activated carbons.     

Adsorption of aqueous metal ions on oxygen and nitrogen functionalized nanoporous activated carbons

In this study, the adsorption characteristics of two series of oxygen and nitrogen functionalized activated carbons were investigated. These series were a low nitrogen content (approximately 1 wt % daf) carbon series derived from coconut shell and a high nitrogen content (approximately 8 wt % daf) carbon series derived from polyacrylonitrile. In both series, the oxygen contents were varied over the range approximately 2-22 wt % daf. The porous structures of the functionalized activated carbons were characterized using N(2) (77 K) and CO(2) (273 K) adsorption. Only minor changes in the porous structure were observed in both series. This allowed the effect of changes in functional group concentrations on metal ion adsorption to be studied without major influences due to differences in porous structure characteristics. The surface group characteristics were examined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, acid/base titrations, and measurement of the point of zero charge (pH(PZC)). The adsorption of aqueous metal ion species, M(2+)(aq), on acidic oxygen functional group sites mainly involves an ion exchange mechanism. The ratios of protons displaced to the amount of M(2+)(aq) metal species adsorbed have a linear relationship for the carbons with pH(PZC) < or = 4.15. Hydrolysis of metal species in solution may affect the adsorption of metal ion species and displacement of protons. In the case of basic carbons, both protons and metal ions are adsorbed on the carbons. The complex nature of competitive adsorption between the proton and metal ion species and the amphoteric character of carbon surfaces are discussed in relation to the mechanism of adsorption.     

Adsorption of benzoic acid onto high specific area activated carbon cloth

The adsorption of benzoic acid from aqueous solution onto high area carbon cloth at different pH values has been studied. Over a period of 125 min the adsorption process was found to follow a first-order kinetics and the rate constants were determined for the adsorption of benzoic acid at pH 2.0, 3.7, 5.3, 9.1, and 11.0. The extents of adsorption and the percentage coverage of carbon cloth surfaces were calculated at 125 min of adsorption. Adsorption isotherms at pH values of 2.0, 3.7, and 11.0 were derived at 25 degrees C. Isotherm data were treated according to Langmuir and Freundlich equations and the parameters of these equations were evaluated by regression analysis. The fit of experimental isotherm data to both equations was good. It was found that both the adsorption rate and the extent of adsorption at 125 min were the highest at pH 3.7 and decreased at higher or lower pH values. The types of interactions governing in the adsorption processes are discussed considering the surface charge and the dissociation of benzoic acid at different pH values.     

Adsorption of urea onto granular activated alumina: A comparative study with granular activated carbon

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the ability of granular activated alumina to remove urea from wastewater through adsorption, and compared its performance with granular activated carbon. XRF, EDX, XRD, and TGA were used to investigate the adsorbents. The removal of urea as a function of pH value was studied. The point of zero charge for activated alumina was found to be 8.8, while that for activated carbon was found to be 7.1. The experimental data of the adsorption process were explored by fitting to different kinetic models to determine the adsorption kinetics and mechanisms. Then, the equilibrium data were examined by fitting to various two-parameter and three-parameter isotherm models. Results showed that the removal efficiency increased with the increasing pH value. The maximum removal efficiencies were 24% and 31% for granular activated alumina and granular activated carbon, respectively, at pH?=?9.0. Kinetic studies showed that adsorption of urea onto both activated alumina and activated carbon can be expressed by pseudo second order kinetics. Equilibrium studies showed that the adsorption isotherms could be expressed by the Redlich-Peterson isotherm and Temkin isotherm for activated alumina and activated carbon, respectively. Adsorbents were investigated using FTIR and SEM, and results showed the occurrence of adsorption.     

Modified langmuir-like model for modeling the adsorption from aqueous solutions by activated carbons

A new equation, a modified Langmuir-like equation (M-LLE), for describing adsorption from solution by activated carbons is proposed for the first time in this work. The M-LLE assumes that there are two types of interactions: (a) specific interactions which are typical, enthalpy-driven interactions and (b) nonspecific interactions driven by the loss of water structuring, upon adsorption (hydrophobic bonding), around the nonpolar parts of the drug. The proposed model was evaluated by studying the adsorption of three drugs: procaine, fluoxetine, and phenobarbital by four different activated carbons under different experimental conditions. As the hydrophobicity of the drug increased, the capacity constant representing the interactions driven by hydrophobic bonding (K(HB), M-LLE equation) increased. Experimental conditions that decrease hydrophobic bonding, such as increased temperature and higher cosolvent concentration, resulted in a decrease in K(HB). Salts that tend to increase water structuring and hydrophobic bonding caused an increase in K(HB). All of these studies support the M-LLE, because they support the notion of hydrophobic-bonding-driven interactions.     

Regularities of adsorption of zinc acetate from aqueous solutions onto the surface of modified activated carbons

The dependence of the characteristics of Zn(OAc)₂/C catalysts for vinyl acetate synthesis on the solution circulation rate, on the temperature and initial concentration of zinc acetate solution, and on the procedures for modification of activated carbons with oxidants was studied with the aim to achieve uniform distribution of the supported active component (zinc acetate). Oxidation of activated carbons with hydrogen peroxide and nitric acid increases the adsorption rate and the amount of adsorbed zinc acetate. Treatment of the support with acetic acid leads to an increase in the adsorption capacity for zinc acetate, to more uniform distribution of the active component over the surface, and to enhancement of the catalyst activity. The hydrodynamic regime of stirring in the two-phase system consisting of the support and zinc acetate solution is an important factor determining the activity and stability of the zinc acetate catalyst for vinyl acetate synthesis.     

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.     

Study of chromium(VI) adsorption onto modified activated carbons with respect to analytical application

Two different types of modification of activated carbon, by treatment with concentrated solution of HNO₃ and outgassing treatment at high temperature, were studied in order to obtain the most effective adsorption of chromium(VI) ions from water solution. The basic parameters affecting the adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) ions on modified activated carbons were studied in details and the effect of modifications of activated carbons has been determined by studying the initial runs of adsorption isotherms. The obtained Cr(VI) adsorption isotherms were well fitted in the Freundlich equation. The reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and further ion exchange mechanism of adsorption onto oxidizing activated carbon and surface precipitation to Cr(OH)₃ in case of outgassing activated carbon were found as the main adsorption mechanisms of Cr(VI) ions onto modified activated carbons. Presence of chlorides and nitrates in studied adsorption system strongly decreased the adsorption ability of Cr(VI) onto outgassing activated carbon and mechanism of this behavior is proposed.     

Kinetic and equilibrium studies of urea adsorption onto activated carbon: Adsorption mechanism

We found that activated carbon effectively removed urea from solution and that urea adsorption onto activated carbon followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. We classified the urea adsorption on activated carbon as physical adsorption and found that it was best described by the Halsey adsorption isotherm, suggesting that the multilayer adsorption of urea molecules on the adsorption sites of activated carbon best characterized the adsorption system. The mechanism of adsorption of urea by activated carbon involved two steps. First, an amino (–NH₂) group of urea interacted with a carbonyl (–C?O) group and a hydroxyl (?OH) group on the surface of activated carbon via dipole–dipole interactions. Next, the –C?O group of the urea molecule adsorbed to the activated carbon interacted with another –NH₂ group from a second urea molecule, leading to multilayer adsorption.     

Determination of the micropore volume distribution function of activated carbons by gas adsorption

A new method for the determination of the micropore volume distribution function of activated carbons is presented. It is based on the treatment of pure gas adsorption isotherms by a theoretical model derived from the Hill-de Boer theory. Adsorption data (isotherms and heat curves) for carbon dioxide, ethane and ethylene on activated carbon (F30/470 CHEMVIRON CARBON) have been provided by a thermobalance coupled to a calorimeter (TG-DSC 111 SETARAM) at different temperatures (233, 273, 303 and 323 K) for pressures up to 100 kPa. Adsorption isotherms of carbon dioxide and ethane at 303 and 323 K have been used for the determination of the micropore volume distribution function of the activated carbon of interest. The knowledge of its structure has then allowed the simulation of adsorption isotherms and heats for the same adsorbates at the same temperatures as those experimentally studied. Similar calculations have been conducted for ethylene. Whatever the adsorbate (carbon dioxide and ethane used for the determination of the micropore volume distribution function or ethylene), the mean deviation between experimental and calculated isotherms does not exceed 4% at quasicritical and supercritical temperatures (303 and 323 K). In the same temperature conditions, discrepancies between calculation and experiment reach about 10% for adsorption heats. For both isotherms and heats, large discrepancies appear at low temperature (233 and 273 K). This method allows the determination of the micropore volume distribution function of activated carbons. The validity of the results is insured using several isotherms of several adsorbates and taking into account the calorimetric effect of the phenomenon. That is the reason why this method can also be seen as a new possible model for pure gas adsorption data prediction. This paper also presents a brief summary of the state of the art in this field.