Thermocatalytic removal of carbonaceous materials

Decomposition and removal of carbonizate was performed over platinum catalysts supported on two types of alumina differing in the surface area: low surface area one (LSA) and high surface one (HSA). For the sake of comparison, the performance of platinum catalyst supported on silica and bimetallic platinum-rhenium catalysts was analyzed. It has been shown that all platinum catalysts examined caused an increase in the removal of carbonizate. The activity of these catalysts was independent of the kind of support applied or addition of rhenium as a second component. The online version of the original article can be found at     

Surface modification of date palm activated carbonaceous materials for heavy metal removal and CO2 adsorption

In this study, high surface area activated carbon (AC) was prepared from a local palm tree (Phoenix Dactylifera) using a variety of metal carbonates activators and finally achieved an excellent S_BET of 2700 m²/g when Cs₂CO₃ was used as an activating agent at a temperature of 600 °C. Surface modification of AC was carried out using various nitrogen transporting agents, resulting in N-doped ACs with nitrogen content varying from 4.0 to 11.4 %, depending on the functionalizing agents and activators used. The bimodal (presence of micro- as well as meso-porosity) ACs with such excellent surface properties were studied for their CO₂ uptake capacity at two different temperatures (0 and 25 °C) by isotherms recorded at pressure 1 bar and showed a remarkable uptake ability of 3.52 mmol/g (at 25 °C) and 5.6 mmol/g (at 0 °C), respectively. Also, batch experiments with variable pH, contact time, adsorbate concentrations, adsorbent dose, and temperatures were evaluated to understand the mechanism of sorption phenomena of Cr(VI) and Pb(II) achieving > 99.9 % removal capacity by the prepared ACs. Depending on the heavy metal ions being investigated, it was revealed that the pH of the solution and the amount of adsorbent had a direct impact on the total adsorption ability. Nitrogen atoms doped into the carbon frameworks were found to enhance the adsorption in the case of Pb(II) while the removal of Cr(VI) appeared to be unaffected. Maximum adsorption for Cr(VI) was observed at pH 2 and was determined to follow Freundlich isotherm while that of Pb(II) was observed at pH 7 and follows Langmuir isotherm. Best adsorption was found at an adsorbate concentration of 10 ppm and an adsorbent dose of 10 g/L. Kinetic modeling parameters showed the applicability of pseudo-second-order model perfectly.     

Heavy metal removal with magnetic coffee grain

The presence of heavy metals in environmental waters having an important place in the industrial waste is a major threat to viability. Heavy metals are transported to humans through the ecological cycle, damaging many tissues and organs. In recent years, agricultural and food waste can be used to remove heavy metals. At the present study, magnetically modified coffee grains which are alternative to conventional particle systems were prepared and heavy metal removal performances were investigated. The coffee grains used were magnetically modified by contact with water-based magnetic fluid. Magnetically modified coffee grains were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis and electron spin resonance (ESR). Adsorption studies are made with four different heavy metal ions, namely Cu(II), Pb(II), Cd(II) and Zn(II). Adsorption isotherms were determined and heavy metal removal performance of magnetic coffee grains were investigated from synthetic waste water.     

Preparation of acid-resistant magnetic adsorbent for effective removal of p-nitrophenol

Bilayer-silane-coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles with inner layer of tetraethoxy silane（TEOS） and outer layer of vinyltriethoxysilane （VTEO） were generated to enhance their acid resistance.These nanoparticles were copolymerized with vinylbenzyl chloride（VBC） using suspension polymerization,and then post-crosslinked.The resulting hypercrosslinked magnetic resin M150 presented specific bimodal property with large specific surface area of 1109 m²/g.It exhibited more excellent adsorption capacity of p-nitrophenol compared to another two magnetic adsorbents Ql 50 and MIEX^.Moreover,the acid stable property of the magnetite in M150 extended its application at low pH value.     

Preparation and evaluation of sulfur-containing metal chelators

With a view to probe the structure and function of G-protein coupled receptors the synthesis of functionalized 8-mercaptoquinoline derivatives and 2-(2-pyridyl)thiophenol was achieved. A fluorescence-based method for determining the affinity of these metal chelators toward zinc ions was developed.     

Versatile mesoporous carbonaceous materials for acid catalysis

Starbon mesoporous materials were synthesized after pyrolysis of expanded starch and subsequently functionalised with sulfonated groups, providing highly active and reusable materials in various acid catalysed reactions.     

Relationship between structure and reactivity of carbonaceous materials

Knowledge of the amount and distribution of active sites in carbons is of paramount importance for a better understanding of the kinetics involved in heterogeneous gas solid reactions. In this work a commercial active carbon, CM, was treated at several temperatures in order to obtain a series of samples with different textural and structural properties. The results showed that the loss of reactivity of the samples, determined by thermogravimetric analysis, is related not only to the lower surface area but also to the decrease in the amount of active sites due to a higher structural ordering. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Preparation and application of a novel magnetic anion exchange resin for selective nitrate removal

正A novel magnetic anion exchange resin NDM-1 was prepared through suspension polymerization and then functionalized with ammonolysis and alkylating agents.Its application for selective removal of nitrate was performed in comparison with MIEX~.The results demonstrated that NDM-1 achieved higher efficiency in nitrate removal than MIEX~ did,with or without the existence of competing anion SO_4~(2-) ascribed to its longer alkyl chains on exchange sites.Combined with the advantage of easy separation due toγ-Fe_2O_3 implanted,the magnetic anion exchange resin NDM-1 was considered to be superior to MIEX~ for nitrate removal in practical application.     

Preparation and evaluation of composite ion-exchanger for the removal of cesium and strontium radioisotopes

Preparation conditions of composite ion-exchanger based on stannic molybdophosphate (SMP) and poly-acrylamide (PAA) have been described. Batch distribution coefficients for some ions were investigated at 25 °C. Sodium ion exchange capacity and breakthrough curves of cesium and strontium ions have also been determined. The results obtained from the experiments showed that the selectivity of SMP-PAA for cesium and strontium was greater than for other ions. Adsorption amounts of both ions were higher than 99% in demineralized water and their uptake rate were relatively rapid.     

Preparation of magnetic composite adsorbents from laterite nickel ore for organic amine removal

Magnetic composite adsorbent (MCA) was prepared successfully using laterite nickel ore. The effectiveness of MCA as an adsorbent was evaluated for removal trimethylamine from aqueous environment. In this technological route, the utilization of solid wastes, wastewater treatment and adsorbent recovery were considered comprehensively. The MCA was characterized by techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, VSM and adsorption-desorption of nitrogen at 77 K. The adsorption processes were best described by pseudo-second-order kinetic model and controlled by intraparticle and surface diffusion processes. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used to match the adsorption equilibrium data. Freundlich isotherm was the best fitting curve for the sorption equilibrium data. The adsorption mechanism was further interpreted by Gibbs free energy, entropy and enthalpy calculated by thermodynamic equation. The negative values of Gibbs free energy changes (ΔG) manifest that the adsorbing process is spontaneous. The results show that laterite nickel ore can be made into MCA for organic amine removal from polluted water.     

Adsorption of fluoride ions onto carbonaceous materials

The characteristics of fluoride ion adsorption onto carbonaceous materials were derived as adsorption isotherms at different temperatures and in different pH solutions. The fluoride ion was adsorbed into pores in carbonaceous materials produced from wood; the larger the specific surface area, the more fluoride ions adsorbed. Bone char was the most effective adsorbent. The composition of bone char includes calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and so on. This suggests that the phosphate ion in bone char was exchanged with a fluoride ion. Moreover, the mechanism of fluoride ion adsorption onto bone char is clearly chemical in nature because the amount of fluoride ion adsorbed onto bone char increased with increasing temperature and decreasing pH. The amount of fluoride ion adsorbed onto bone char was also shown to depend on the concentration of sodium chloride in solution because of the "salting-out" effect. The adsorption of fluoride ion onto bone char is endothermic. Bone char can be utilized to remove fluoride ions from drinking water.     

Preparation and characterization of 3D collagen materials with magnetic properties

In this study 3D collagen materials with magnetic properties were prepared by lyophilization technique. Magnetic particles were synthesized by precipitation of iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate and iron (III) chloride hexahydrate in an aqueous solution of chitosan and then added to a collagen solution. Starch dialdehyde (DAS) was used as a cross-linking agent for the materials. The properties of the obtained materials were studied using infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, mechanical properties, porosity, density, swelling and moisture content were measured.It was found that 3D composites made from collagen with magnetic particles are hydrophilic with a high swelling ability. Cross-linking of such collagen materials with dialdehyde starch (DAS) alters the swelling degree, porosity and density of materials. The addition of magnetic particles to collagen materials decreases its porosity, and increases the density of the studied materials. Collagen 3D materials with magnetic particles are rigid and inflexible. Magnetic properties of the 3D collagen materials containing magnetic particles were confirmed by the interaction of this material with a magnet.     

Preparation and evaluation of polyimide layers as materials for nematic liquid crystal orientation

Ten polypyromellitimides, seventeen poly(imide esters) and six poly(imide amides) have been synthesized. The stability of 0.5% solutions of the poly(amic acids) in DMF, and the hardness, adhesion to glass and quality of nematic liquid crystal alignment of the polyimide layers using the interference wedge method have been tested. The relationship between the chemical structure of polyimides and their properties, especially the alignment depth, is discussed.     

离子印迹介孔材料制备及其吸附重金属的应用

离子印迹介孔材料具有吸附容量高、吸附选择性和骨架稳定等特点,在吸附分离领域有着广泛的应用前景。本文总结了目前离子印迹介孔材料的制备方法,阐述了分步合成法及一步合成法的各自特点;着重介绍了该材料在对重金属吸附和分离领域的研究与应用情况;简要说明了离子印迹介孔材料对重金属离子的吸附机理;并提出了离子印迹介孔材料在制备与应用中存在的问题。     

Synthesis and application of a novel magnetic SBA-15 nanosorbent for heavy metal removal from aqueous solutions

Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology - In this work for the first time, magnetic nanoporous SBA-15 functionalized with isatin groups as a magnetic nanosorbent was applied for the simultaneous...     

Preparation and characterization of magnetic chitosan nanocomposites for removal of Cu2+ from aqueous solution

In this article, highly efficient magnetic chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by the glutaraldehyde cross-linking method and then chemically-modified with amino groups through reaction between triethylenetramine and glycidyl methacrylate. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms of these novel adsorbents fit the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacities were 293?mg/g at pH?=?4.3 and t?=?1.4 hours. The rate-limiting step was the chemical adsorption. Further recycling experiments showed that the adsorbent provided the potential regeneration and reuse after adsorbing Cu²⁺. All the experimental results demonstrated that the adsorbent had a potential application in Cu²⁺ removal from wastewater.     

Novel highly elastic magnetic materials for dampers and seals: Part I. Preparation and characterization of the elastic materials

The new generation of magnetic elastomers represents a new type of composites, consisting of small (mainly nano and micron‐sized) magnetic particles dispersed in a highly elastic polymeric matrix. The combination of polymers with magnetic materials displays novel and often enhanced properties. Highly elastic magnetic composites are quite new and understanding of the behavior of these materials depending on the composition, external conditions, and the synthesis processes is still missing. Thus, the aim of this work is the study of fundamental principles governing the preparation of these materials as well as their structure and elastic properties. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Response surface methodology for optimization of heavy metal removal by magnetic biosorbent made from anaerobic sludge

In this study, optimum conditions for adsorption of heavy metals such as Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ onto a low-cost, magnetically modified-alkali conditioned anaerobically digested sludge (MADS) adsorbent were obtained. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) incorporating Central Composite Design (CCD) of experiments was applied to optimize four independent process variables. Statistical analysis was executed by ANOVA and the quadratic model developed had regression coefficients of 0.959, 0.957 and 0.95 for Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺, respectively. The independent variables such as pH, time and initial concentration positively influenced adsorption capacity, q_e, whereas the value of q_e decreased with an increase in MADS dosage. Model validation experiments for optimization of adsorption process showed comparable results with predicted values. The adsorption capacity of MADS adsorbent at optimum conditions found through RSM analysis was 29.721 mg L^?1, 28.551 mg L^?1 and 28.601 mg L^?1 for Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ respectively.     

CO2 adsorption on granular and monolith carbonaceous materials

We evaluated the CO₂ adsorption capacity on granular and monolith carbonaceous materials, obtained by chemical activation of African palm stones with H₃PO₄, ZnCl₂ and CaCl₂ solutions at different concentrations. Textural properties of the synthesized materials were analyzed using N₂ adsorption measurements at 77 K, the isotherms showed obtaining of materials microporous and moderately mesoporous, with surface areas between 161 and 1700 m²/g and pore volume between 0.09 and 0.64 cm³ g⁻¹. Were observed different behaviors for textural parameters in each series, associated with the activating agent used in the preparation. The materials obtained have a CO₂ adsorption capacity between ∼114 and 254 mg CO₂/g, at atmospheric pressure and 273 K. It was established that the total amount of CO₂ adsorbed under these experimental conditions is defined by the narrow micropore volume (V_n) and increased the total basicity of the materials.     

Preparation and evaluation of a functionalized polymer-coated silica based sorbent for metal ion separation

A silica based sorbent with an anion complexone polymer coating, [24]ane-N₆ macrocycle, was prepared. The chelation properties of this material were investigated by elemental analysis, infrared spectra and Voige’s method. The polymer-coated silica column (25– 40 μm, 100 × 4.6 mm i.d.) was employed for trace metal analyses. Oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, citric acid, phthalic acid and acetic acid were used as mobile phases. Their retention characteristics were elucidated. Oxalic acid was found to be the most effective eluent. With a mobile phase consisting of oxalic acid (25 mM) and sodium nitrate (25 mM) at pH 4.2, the separation of copper(II), cadmium(II), cobalt(II) and zinc(II) in sea water could be achieved. The identification of metal ions was performed at 510 nm using 4(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol (1 × 10^–4 M) as post column reagent. The limits of detection were 5 × 10^–7 M, 1 × 10^–5 M, 3 × 10^–5 M and 2 × 10^–6 M for copper(II), cadmium(II), cobalt(II) and zinc(II) based on three times the standard deviation of the response for the lowest concentration (n = 5) in the chromatogram with a sample volume of 50 μL. For evaluation of data reliability, oyster tissue (NIST SRM 1566 a) was studied with the proposed system. Received: 9 February 1998 / Revised: 15 May 1998 / Accepted: 16 June 1998