Abstract
Samples of natural peat (NP) were hydrothermally treated at different temperatures in oxidative and acidic aqueous medium to tailor their acid–base, adsorption, morphological and other properties. The obtained materials were thoroughly characterized by SEM, XRD and FTIR techniques, followed by determination of pHpzc, examination of adsorption characteristics and the extent of organic matter leaching in water. Acid–base characteristics of these materials were examined by potentiometric and conductometric titration of corresponding aqueous suspensions. Experimental potentiometric data were interpreted using ProtoFit software (NEM, non-electrostatic model) which provided pKa values and concentrations of surface sites which are compared with corresponding values obtained by conductometric titration method. There are two main types of surface groups (carboxylic and phenolic) that are dominant in the materials and determine their acid–base behavior in the aqueous medium. Temperature during oxidative hydrothermal treatment has no significant effect on the total number of surface groups, but influences the ratio of carboxylic and phenol-type groups. Hence, acid–base properties of peat can be tailored, which is useful in designing and improving adsorptive characteristics of peat for the preferential removal of certain pollutants from water.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.