Physicochemical characteristics of natural and anthropogenic inorganic and organic solid porous materials: Comprehensive view

Abstract

Complex textural analyses and ultimate analyses of 23 inorganic and organic solid porous materials of natural and anthropogenic origin have been performed. The type of pores, porosity and pore size distributions are discussed. While Halloysite, Biocalith K and Diatomaceous earth have a balanced distribution of all pores, Clinoptilolite and Kemira have a high micropore content and Montmorillonite contain predominantly mesopores. SH-GC has the highest micro-mesopore content. Natural materials and materials prepared from raw materials have SBET values <50 m2/g, whereas materials on the basis of activated carbon and montmorillonite or pure granulated Fe(OH)3 have SBET > 50 m2/g. The highest porosity values correspond with an extremely high content of macropores in the Eco-Dry Compact and Eco-Dry Plus samples, and in the Wood sawdust samples, where at the same time the presence of the smallest pores is sporadic. The highest micropore values were observed in a sample from the category of aluminosilicates and in samples of activated carbon. Overall, the diverse variability of the properties of these solid porous unconventional materials was revealed, which offers the possibility of wide use for various types of adsorption, both in raw form and after appropriate material treatment. The material is discussed for the suitability of using to remove specific types of pollutants.