Abstract
Valorization of Lantana camara L., which is a recognized invasive plant, as a potential source of activated carbon is proposed in this study. Its stem and leaf have been utilized for the preparation of activated carbon (ACL and ACS) by following acid-impregnation technique, followed by thermal treatment. The developed activated carbon samples were characterized for their structural and surface related properties by low-temperature nitrogen adsorption isotherm, SEM techniques, and pHPZC method. The samples show reasonable high surface area and pore volume; nonetheless, these properties are higher in case of ACL as compraed to ACS. Both of these samples developed negative charge on their surface due to acid treatment that resulted in an increase in adsorption at pH > 5. The batch adsorption studies on these samples shows the Pb(II) ion adsorption capacities of ACL and ACS were 36.01 and 32.24 mg·g−1, respectively, at 25°C. The kinetics of adsorption with both the sample systems follow the pseudo-second-order model, whereas the experimental equilibrium isotherm data of ACL and ACS were explained by Freundlich and Langmuir models, respectively. For these samples, the HCl shows maximum desorption with which the recycling test on these samples shows that ACS has better recycling potential over ACL samples.
Highlights
Lantana camara is a flowering plant that belongs to Verbenaceae family and is often planted in gardens
The isotherm of activated carbon prepared from leaf (ACL) as well as stem (ACS) shows similar shape, which is of type I and slightly type IV with H1 loop, which are the characteristics of micro- and mesoporous materials [28]
The total pore volume of ACL is higher compared to ACS; both the activated carbon samples are microporous in nature which is confirmed by fraction of their micropore volume with respect to their total pore volume
Summary
Lantana camara is a flowering plant that belongs to Verbenaceae family and is often planted in gardens. Recently have few researchers started to investigate its use as a source of activated carbon and study its potential for removal of water pollutants These studies show limited adsorption capacity and are limited to dyes [7] and phenol [8]. In this context, it is apparent that if processed and activated suitably, this Lantana camara L. can become a potential source of activated carbon, and this can valorize its biomass for adsorptive removal of water pollutants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study where an invasive weed like Lantana camara L. has been used as a precursor for activated carbon and used for adsorptive removal of pollutants
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