Modifying the Sorption Capacity of Biopolymers by the Mechanochemical Activation

Abstract

Mechanochemical activation (MCA) of electrode lignin was performed and the activated lignin was studied by IR-spectroscopy for different activation times. The activated lignin was tested for the ability of binding Cr2O72-, Cu2+, Ni2+ ions. It was established that structure deformation, which does not distort the stronger hydrogen bond lattice, but leads to the formation of highly developed surface with active functional groups, occurs in the course of MCA. Weaker inter-layer bonds are broken in the activation process and quickly recovered after the load release. The comparison of the sorption capacity of Cr2O72-, Cu2+, Ni2+ ions by the MCA treated vs. inactivated lignin for different activation times was performed.