Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbon – nFe3O4, Activated Carbon – nSiO2 and Activated Carbon – nZnO Hybrid Materials |
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| Authors: | Olalekan S Fatoki Olushola S Ayanda Folahan A Adekola Bhekumusa J Ximba Beatrice O Opeolu |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, P.O. Box 1906, Bellville (South Africa);2. Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P.M.B 1515, Ilorin (Nigeria) |
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| Abstract: | The preparation and physicochemical characterization of activated carbon, nano metal oxides, and activated carbon – nFe3O4, activated carbon – nSiO2 and activated carbon – nZnO hybrid materials has been undertaken. The materials have been characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, x‐ray diffraction, CNH analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Surface area and porosity, ash content, pH, and point of zero charge were also measured. The results showed that the surfaces of activated carbon, nSiO2, activated carbon – nFe3O4, activated carbon – nSiO2 and activated carbon – nZnO are suitable for the sorption of cationic complexes while the surfaces of nFe3O4 and nZnO are favourable to the sorption of anionic complexes of heavy metals. Results also showed that the composition of the activated carbon and nano metal oxides increased the surface and micropore areas of nano metal oxides due to the large number of micropores and crevices on the surface of the hybrid materials. |
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| Keywords: | activated carbon hybrid materials nano metal oxides scanning and transmission electron microscopy surface area and porosity |
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