Methylene Blue Adsorption Capacity Research Articles

Repurposing cottonseed meal as dye biosorbent

We successfully repurposed cottonseed meal (CSM) into alginate composite hydrogel beads for dye adsorption via a simple and efficient method. The beads entrapped CSM with up to 80 wt%. Effect of CSM on the physiochemical properties of composite hydrogel beads including swelling behaviors, chemical structures, thermal stability, and methylene blue (MB) adsorption capacity, was investigated. Compared to alginate gel beads, the alginate/CSM composite system exhibited a drastic increase in thermal stability and a synergistic effect in dye adsorption capacity, where the dye adsorption capacity was well maintained, despite the inherently lower capacity when used alone. Such synergistic effect appeared to be linked to the reduced size of CSM particles within the gel network, while dye adsorption mechanism was attributed to the electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding between the biosorbents and dye. Our current study offers a feasible and cost-effective approach for upcycling CSM as biosorbent for dye decontamination.

Furfuryl-pyridinium-functionalization of flaxseed gum for effective methylene blue removal from aqueous solution

This study describes the modification of flaxseed gum (FSG) via furfural to obtain a furfuryl-pyridinium modified adsorbent (Flax-Py) with improved adsorption characteristics towards methylene blue (MB) versus results obtained for unmodified FSG. Materials characterization was achieved via complementary spectral methods (NMR, XPS, FT-IR, Raman, and XRD) as well as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and ζ-potential measurements. Synthetic modification of FSG to yield Flax-Py that led to enriched N-content (2.75 atom-% versus 0.76 atom-% for FSG), and the conversion of furfuryl to pyridinium was incomplete (ca. 50 %), where both moieties were identified. The adsorption isotherms at pH 7 showed that FSG possessed favorably high MB adsorption capacity (ca. 540 mg/g); while Flax-Py was notably lower (167 mg/g). Flax-Py facilitated 100% MB removal at low dye concentrations (1-10 mg/L) versus 50 % MB removal for the FSG bioadsorbent. Further, Flax-Py showed moderate loss of adsorption with MB (ca. 12-16% dye removal) after five regeneration cycles. Flax-Py revealed improved settling characteristics (time, density, gelation, and solubility) that facilitate enhanced phase separation of FSG fractions by circumventing the need for centrifugation. The adsorption mechanism was attributed primarily to H-bonding effects with secondary contributions due to electrostatic interactions (negative ζ-potential above pH 4.2). This study successfully modified FSG to obtain an improved adsorbent (Flax-Py) attaining nearly quantitative MB dye removal at environmentally relevant concentrations (< 15 mg/L).

KMnO4 modified magnetic hydrochar for efficient adsorption of malachite green and methylene blue from the aquatic environment

This study exploited magnetic citrus peel hydrochar (MHC) modified by KMnO4 (MHC/Mn) for the removal of methylene blue (MB) and malachite green (MG). Effects of initial concentration, pH, dosage, temperature, and ion strength on MHC/Mn adsorption properties were investigated. The adsorption kinetics, isotherm, and mechanism were further explored. The results indicated that Fe3O4 was successfully embedded and MnO2 was coated on MHC after modification. The experiment data were well fitted to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model. Thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption of MHC/Mn to MB is spontaneous and endothermic, and the adsorption of MG is spontaneous and exothermic. The mechanism of MB and MG interaction with MHC/Mn includes electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bond, surface complexation, and π-π interaction. The maximum adsorption capacity of MB and MG calculated were 175.63 mg/g and 1402.17 mg/g. After four adsorption–desorption cycles, the removal rate of MB and MG were 85.11 % and 69.29 %. MHC/Mn is an economical and environmentally favorable adsorbent for the removal of MB and MG in wastewater.

Hydrothermal carbonization of biomass waste and application of produced hydrochar in organic pollutants removal

This novel research, presents the study of utilizing the wild almond shell as biomass waste to fabricate hydrochar using the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) method based on a central composite design (CCD) with two independent variables (time and temperature) and three responses; productivity, higher heating value (HHV) and norfloxacin (NOR) adsorption capacity. The prepared hydrochar at 200 °C and 8 h was then employed to produce activated carbon (AC) by chemical-thermal activation technique. Hydrochar and AC were characterized using XRD, BET, SEM-EDX, Raman, and FTIR techniques. The pore development, resulting in a rise in the SBET (637.46 m2/g) value occurred after the activation process. Moreover, the results of XRD and Raman analyses revealed a decrease in graphitization degree. The adsorption of norfloxacin, methylene blue (MB), and sunset yellow (SY) by prepared hydrochar and AC were studied to assess the impact of the pH of the solution, initial concentration, temperature, and contact time. The maximum adsorption capacity for NOR, MB, and SY using hydrochar and AC were 85.37, 153.46, 93.35, and 384.1625, 556.465, 264.93 mg/g, respectively. The experimental data for the adsorption of NOR, MB, and SY using hydrochar and AC illustrated a good fit with the PSO model. Besides, the Langmuir and Freundlich models indicated better fitting with empirical data obtained for the adsorption of NOR, MB, and SY, respectively. Thermodynamic study outcomes validated the exothermicity and spontaneity of the adsorption process for both absorbents. This study presents a new opportunity to develop the circular economy by fabrication of sustainable adsorbents with high adsorption capacity for organic pollutants from biomass waste.

Ultrasonic-Assisted Nitrate Anion Incorporation in Triaminoguanidium Chloride Based Covalent Organic Polymer for Methylene Blue Dye Adsorption.

Terephthalaldehyde-triaminoguanidium chloride covalent organic polymer, Te-TGCl COP can facilely be incorporated with NaNO3 by sonication. Te-TGCl COP incorporated with NaNO3 via ultrasonication adsorbs Methylene Blue (MB) dye. Te-TGCl COP alone shows negligible adsorption capacity for MB, however, when treated with NaNO3, its adsorption capacity emerges slightly. Moreover, ultrasonication of the NaNO3 treated COP, Te-TG-NaNO3 COP shows dramatic increase in its adsorption capacity for MB (qe for Te-TGCl COP ≈0 mg g-1; for Te-TG-NaNO3=17.65 mg g-1). Emergence of MB dye adsorption property in Te-TG-NaNO3 COP composite may be attributed primarily to the electrostatic interaction of MB dye molecules with nitrate anions and the sonochemical effect caused fibrous morphological structure of the adsorbent material. The kinetics of MB dye adsorption onto Te-TG-NaNO3 COP composite exhibits an excellent fit for the pseudo-second order model, suggesting the rate-determining step to be chemisorption. Homogeneous monolayer adsorption of MB dye onto Te-TG-NaNO3 COP composite can be suggested as the Langmuir isotherm model seemed to be fitted well.

Assessment of chromite ore wastes for methylene blue adsorption: Isotherm, kinetic, thermodynamic studies, ANN, and statistical physics modeling

This research investigates the adsorption potential of chrysotile and lizardite, two minerals derived from chromite ore wastes, for the uptake of Methylene Blue (MB) dye from waste streams. The characterization of these minerals involves XRD, XRF, FTIR, and SEM. Results confirm the dominance of polymorphic magnesium silicate minerals, specifically chrysotile and lizardite, in the samples. The FTIR spectra reveal characteristic vibration bands confirming the presence of these minerals. The SEM analysis depicts irregular surfaces with broken and bent edges, suggesting favorable morphologies for adsorption. N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms indicate mesoporous structures with Type IV pores in both adsorbents. The Central Composite Design approach is employed to optimize MB adsorption conditions, revealing the significance of contact time, adsorbent mass, and initial MB concentration. The proposed models exhibit high significance, with F-values and low p-values indicating the importance of the studied factors. Experimental validation confirms the accuracy of the models, and the optimum conditions for MB adsorption are determined. The influence of solution acidity on MB uptake is investigated, showing a significant enhancement at higher pH values. Isothermal studies indicate Langmuir and Freundlich models as suitable descriptions for MB adsorption onto chrysotile and lizardite. The maximum adsorption capacities of MB for chrysotile and lizardite were found to be 352.97 and 254.85, respectively. Kinetic studies reveal that the pseudo-first-order model best describes the adsorption process. Thermodynamic analysis suggests an exothermic and spontaneous process. Statistical physics models further elucidate the monolayer nature of adsorption. Additionally, an artificial neural network is developed, exhibiting high predictive capability during training and testing stages. The reusability of chrysotile and lizardite is demonstrated through multiple regeneration cycles, maintaining substantial adsorption potential. Therefore, this research provides comprehensive insights into the adsorption characteristics of chrysotile and lizardite, emphasizing their potential as effiective and reusable sorbents for MB uptake from wastewater.

Preparation of porosity-adjustable porous adsorbent materials derived from coal solid waste

Coal solid waste (CSW) was explored as precursor to prepare porous adsorption material (ACSW) by carbon dioxide activation. The effects of activation method (direct activation and pre-carbonization followed by activation), activation temperature, and activation time were systematically investigated. The burn-off characteristics of the CSW were measured, the ACSW were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope, gas adsorption instrument and Raman spectrometer, and, in parallel, the adsorption ability was studied using methylene blue (MB) as a typical pollutant. The results showed that compared with direct activation, pre-carbonization reduced the carbon loss, increased the pore volume with pore size less than 1 nm, improved the carbon structural order and increased the MB adsorption performance. In addition, the evolution of the structure of the ACSW strongly depended on the activation temperature and time. With the increase of the activation time, the pore structure evolution underwent three stages: pore forming, expanding, and collapsing. Pore forming mainly involved clearing scattered graphite structures and amorphous carbon. Pore expanding mainly relies on consumption of regular graphite carbon crystal structure. At low temperature of 800 °C, micropores fully developed. As the activation temperature increased to 850–900 °C, pore expansion became apparent, mainly forming pores of 1–5 nm. Moreover, the MB adsorption capacity was positively correlated with the pore volume with pore size less than 5 nm. The burn-off can serve as an indicator for evaluating pore structure and the adsorption performance and when it was ∼25.5 %, the ACSW had the largest pore volume with pore size less than 5 nm and the highest MB adsorption capacity.

Magnetic, Biocompatible and Biodegradable Carboxymethyl Cellulose‐Based Hydrogel for Cationic Dye Adsorption

AbstractEnsuring the availability of water resources that are both clean and safe is crucial for the preservation of environmental health and the well‐being of humans. Here, we fabricated carboxymethyl cellulose‐based hydrogel nanocomposite using acrylic acid (AA) and 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfuric acid (AMPS) monomers and Fe3O4 nanoparticles through a free radical crosslinking process for adsorption of dyes from contaminated water. The synthesized nanocomposite hydrogel was characterized using various techniques, including TEM, XRD, FTIR, SEM‐EDS, TGA, and AFM analysis. The swelling capacity of samples in an aqueous medium at multiple pH levels and the presence of different salts were investigated. The adsorption efficiency of methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV), emphasizing the effect of hydrogel concentration and the medium's pH, was studied. It was concluded that the hydrogel sample containing 17 % AMPS and 51 % AA had better swelling capacity and dye removal efficiency. The dye adsorption kinetics data were fitted to pseudo‐first and second‐order kinetic models and the Langmuir and Temkin isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacity for MB and CV was 53.97 and 53.57 mg/g, respectively. It was revealed that the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model could best describe adsorption (qe=79.2 mg/g for MB and qe=65.8 mg/g for CV). The intra‐particle diffusion model was found to be the rate‐limiting mechanism of dye adsorption. Thermodynamic studies proposed that the adsorption of MB and CV was spontaneous and endothermic. Additionally, magnetic nanocomposite hydrogel‘s reusability up to four successive cycles further determines its probability of adsorption of dyes from wastewater.

Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles from Codium macroalgae for wastewater pollutants removal by adsorption

AbstractAlgae have adsorption properties and reducing agents due to their rich content. In this study, palladium nanoparticles (Pd NP), platinum nanoparticles (Pt NP), and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NP) were prepared from Codium macroalgae using green synthesis. The structure of the synthesized nanoparticles was elucidated by X‐ray diffractometry, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry and their use as nanoadsorbents for the removal of pollutants from aqueous media was investigated in detail. Naproxen (NPX), an anti‐inflammatory drug, and the dyes methylene blue (MB) and cresol red (CR) were selected as pollutants for this study. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted using both real wastewater obtained from the Organised Industrial Zone of Isparta Province and synthetic water samples prepared with tap water from Burdur Province and pure water. Under optimum adsorption conditions, Pd NP showed significant efficiency in the real wastewater sample, with an adsorption capacity of 37.19 and 50.03 mg g–1 for CR and NPX, respectively, within 150 min. In comparison, Pt NP showed an adsorption capacity of 40.01 mg g–1 for MB within the same timeframe. These findings indicate that while Pd NP showed the highest adsorption capacity for both CR and NPX, Pt NP showed the highest adsorption capacity for MB. The Langmuir model and the pseudo‐second‐order equation were more suitable to describe the adsorption behavior of CR, MB, and NPX. In addition, studies on the desorption and reusability of the nanoadsorbents were carried out under the same optimum experimental conditions.

Full utilization of poplar sawdust with chemical-mechanical pretreatment for coproduction of xylooligosaccharides, fermentable sugars and porous carbon materials

In recent decades, one of the major challenges of biorefinery is the full utilization of lignocellulosic components for coproduction of value-added materials. In this context, we proposed an integrated process of acetic acid (AC) pretreatment, Papir Forsknings Institutet (PFI) refining and enzymatic hydrolysis to coproduce xylooligosaccharides, fermentable sugars and lignin-based porous carbon materials. Results showed AC pretreatment (170 ºC, 60 min, 5 w/v % acetic acid and 5% 2-naphthol addition based on dry mass of biomass) resulted in maximum xylooligosaccharids (XOS) yield of 51.08%. The integrated process of AC pretreatment assisted by 2-naphthol-7-sulfonate addition and PFI post-refining led to cellulose hydrolysis yield of 98.20% and lignin-based porous carbon materials with methylene blue adsorption capacity of up to 749.17 mg/g. Moreover, it was found lignin repolymerization inhibitors (i.e. 2-naphthol, 2-naphthol-7-sulfonate) in acid pretreatment helped increase the specific surface area of substrate and decrease surface lignin coverage, which enhanced cellulose accessibility to cellulase enzymes. Moreover, they enhanced lignin detaching during enzymatic hydrolysis, which reduced cellulase aggregation and promoted the ease of cellulose hydrolysis. Results demonstrated an efficient pretreatment strategy to maximize coproduction of xylooligosaccharids, fermentable sugars and lignin materials from lignocellulosic biomass for full utilization.

Construction of 3D-Printed Sodium Alginate/Chitosan/Halloysite Nanotube Composites as Adsorbents of Methylene Blue.

In this study, sodium alginate/chitosan/halloysite nanotube composites were prepared by three-dimensional printing and characterized in terms of morphology, viscosity, thermal properties, and methylene blue (MB) adsorption performance. The high specific surface area and extensively microporous structure of these composites allowed for effective MB removal from wastewater; specifically, a removal efficiency of 80% was obtained after a 60 min treatment at an adsorbent loading of 1 g L-1 and an MB concentration of 80 mg L-1, while the maximum MB adsorption capacity equaled 376.3 mg g-1. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms were well described by quasi-second-order and Langmuir models, respectively. The composites largely retained their adsorption performance after five adsorption-desorption cycles and were concluded to hold great promise for MB removal from wastewater.

Removal of methylene blue using magnetic Na-bentonite composite in aqueous Solutions

The present work focuses on the development of a new magnetic composite material that would be practical and effective for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye from water. This composite material was chemically prepared from bentonite and iron salts. It was characterized by ATR-FTIR, DRX, SEM and EDS. The adsorption study showed a relatively high adsorption capacity of MB on the composite (86.2mgg-1) and an MB removal efficiency of 100%. In a study of the influence of certain operating parameters, the effect of pH and temperature on MB removal efficiency was found to be negligible. However, the results of the kinetic and thermodynamic study showed that MB adsorption follows the pseudo-second- order and Langmuir model. Of the eluents tested, acetic acid proved to be the most efficient, with an MB desorption efficiency of 90%. The results obtained show that magnetic bentonite is an interesting solution for the removal of dyes in water by adsorption.

REVIEW OF THERMODYNAMIC AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS INFLUENCING METHYLENE BLUE ADSORPTION ON ACTIVATED CHARCOAL OF NATURAL ORIGIN

Methylene blue (MB) is a phenothiazine derivative used in microbiology, surgery, diagnostics and as a sensitizer in the photo-oxidation of organic pollutants. These numerous uses of methylene blue could lead to its accumulation in wastewater, causing harmful effects on the environment and living beings. To combat these harmful effects, numerous wastewater treatment processes, particularly physicochemical, were implemented. Adsorption techniques are particularly used to find new natural, biodegradable and inexpensive adsorbents to treat colored waste from structures such as medical and pharmaceutical laboratories. The aim of the present study was to carry out a relevant bibliographical review of the physico-chemical and thermodynamic parameters that can influence this adsorption of methylene blue on activated carbons of natural origin. The results showed a remarkable elimination of methylene blue. However, parameters such as particle size, adsorbent mass, pH, contact time, initial methylene blue concentration, agitation speed and temperature showed that the adsorption capacity of MB on biosorbents was influenced by these quantities. Similarly, the positive and negative enthalpy values (ΔH°) indicated that adsorption process could be endothermic or exothermic. Other thermodynamic parameters, such as the negative value of Gibbs free energy (ΔG°) and the positive value of entropy (ΔS°), also showed that the adsorption process was feasible and spontaneous.

Removal of rhodamine B and methylene blue using residual Onecarpus bacaba Mart fibers as biosorbent: kinetic and thermodynamic parameters

Among the most common water contaminants, dyes are responsible for polluting rivers and other water bodies as well as contributing to other environmental problems, thus posing serious health hazards to humans and animals. In order to minimize these environmental impacts, this study proposes the use of Onecarpus bacaba Mart fiber residues, in natura (OBMi) and NaOH-modified (OBMm), to bioadsorb rhodamine b (RhB) and methylene blue (MB) dyes. The biosorbents OBMi and OBMm were characterized by means of infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, Boehm titration, PZC, and scanning electron microscopy. This study also analyzed the influence of pH, contact time, absorbent mass, temperature, and contaminant concentrations by means of batch equilibrium assays. It was observed that the OBMi absorbent showed a low dye removal capacity. Maximum OBMm adsorption capacity for RhB and MB at 25 °C was 26.60 mg g−1 and 407.98 mg g−1, respectively. In both systems, OBMm:RhB and OBMm:MB, adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model, and the Langmuir and Freundlich models constituted the best fit for isothermal curves. Lastly, thermodynamic parameters indicated that adsorption of both RhB and MB onto OBMm is spontaneous.

A green approach to enhance the adsorption capacity: Synthesis of bamboo-based adsorbent by biological pretreatment

Biochar is a low-cost, environmentally friendly adsorbent used in the sewage treatment industry. In most cases, environmentally unfriendly chemical methods are employed when people make attempts to improve its adsorption properties. In this paper, a biological pretreatment method was used to degrade cellulose, which increases the controllable space of pore structure and the specific surface area of the material, thus improving its adsorption performance. Bamboo was first exposed to Trichoderma koningii for three weeks, which was followed by slow pyrolysis to produce biochar. Then, the carbon precursor was crushed and pyrolyzed using KOH to afford an adsorbent. The adsorbent was characterized by multiple approaches, and the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) on it was investigated in detail. In addition, the possible adsorption mechanism was also discussed. Compared with the MB adsorption capacity of the raw bamboo-derived biochar (9.92 mg/g), that of the newly developed adsorbent is enhanced by 25 times (248.57 mg/g), which is benefited from the pretreatment with Trichoderma koningii. And after 5 times of repeated recycling, the removal efficiency of 75.92% could still be maintained. It is expected that bamboo-based adsorbents prepared using Trichoderma koningii-treated bamboo will have a broad application prospect in the field of dye wastewater treatment.

Synthesis of 1D magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2/TiO2 nanostir bar photocatalyst for the degradation of MB under UV light

Here, a novel one-dimensional (1D) magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2/TiO2 nanostir bar both with high-efficient adsorption and photocatalysis of Methylene blue (MB) has been explored. Firstly, silicon and titanium precursor were loaded on the surface of Fe3O4 through the static magnetic induced self-assembly. Then the TiO2/SiO2 hybrid shell were formed by the hydrothermal treatment process to achieve the 1D magnetic nanostir bar. The 1D magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2/TiO2 photocatalyst exhibited good adsorption capacity and degradation activity of MB. The adsorption capacity of MB by Fe3O4@SiO2/TiO2(60 %) was 40 mg g−1. The apparent reaction rate constant of Fe3O4@SiO2/TiO2 (60 %) was 0.129 min−1. This work will provide a general strategy to explore other useful 1D magnetic nanomaterials for micro-reaction system.

Adsorptive removal of methylene blue dye using durian peel waste reinforced polyvinyl alcohol‐based composite membrane

AbstractA large amount of dye effluents with biodegradable and highly toxic nature from the dyeing and finishing processes has discharged into natural water bodies without adequate treatment, which adversely impacted on aquatic life and human health. Herein, polyvinyl alcohol/agarose/maltodextrin composite membrane (PAM)‐reinforced durian skin fiber is fabricated for methylene blue (MB) uptake from aqueous medium. Structural analyses of the as‐prepared composite membrane are conducted using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, water contact angle, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm measurement. The important influence of experimental conditions including exposure time between adsorbates and adsorbents, initial MB concentration, solution temperature, and pH are also explored. Furthermore, thermodynamic behavior, nonlinear isotherms, and kinetics along with possible adsorption mechanism are provided to attain the insight into the adsorption nature. The results show that PAM‐reinforced durian peel waste possesses high MB adsorption capacity (105.54 mg g−1), which was controlled by diffusion and chemisorption mechanism. The thermodynamics of methyl blue removal on the composite membrane suggest that the adsorption is spontaneous, favorable, and endothermic in nature. This contribution is expected to inspire the efficient utilization of agriculture by‐products into eco‐friendly and biodegradable adsorbents to purify the dye‐contaminated water.

Waste treats waste: Facile fabrication of porous adsorbents from recycled PET and sodium alginate for efficient dye removal

Dye-contaminated water and waste plastic both pose enormous threats to human health and the ecological environment, and simultaneously solving these two issues in a sustainable and resource-saving way is highly important. In this work, a sodium alginate-polyethylene terephthalate-sodium alginate (SA@PET) composite adsorbent for efficient dye removal is fabricated using wasted PET bottle and marine plant-based SA via simple and energy-efficient nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method. Benefiting from its porous structure and the abundant binding sites, SA@PET shows an excellent methylene blue (MB) adsorption capacity of 1081 mg g−1. The Redlich–Peterson model more accurately describes the adsorption behavior, suggesting multiple adsorption mechanisms. In addition to the electrostatic attractions of SA to MB, polar interactions between the PET matrix and MB are also identified as adsorption mechanisms. It is worth mentioning that SA@PET could be recycled 7 times without a serious decrease in performance, and the trifluoroacetic acid-dichloromethane solvent involved in the NIPS process has the possibility of reuse and stepwise recovery. Finally, the discarded adsorbent could be completely degraded under mild conditions. This work provides not only a composite adsorbent with excellent cationic dye removal performance for wastewater treatment, but also an upcycling strategy for waste PET.

Effect of conductive polyaniline on the cationic and anionic dye adsorption properties of amphoteric alginate/chitosan composite foams

Doped polyaniline is a widely used conductive material and could be used for adsorption based on the electrostatic neutralization effect through the protonation of the imine group. However, the adsorption effect and mechanism towards cationic and anionic pollutants are not clear. Herein, the conductive sulfonic acid doped polyaniline was introduced into alginate/chitosan amphoteric composite foams prepared with a thermal induced phase separation technique. The composite foams were characterized in terms of scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electrochemical impedance. The composite foam exhibited rich pores and fibrous matrix due to the unique ternary solvent system. The polyaniline was well-distributed and enhanced the cationic dye adsorption ability, contrary to that of anionic dye. Compared with pure alginate/chitosan composite foam, the adsorption capacity of methylene blue was increased by 91.1%, and that of acid blue-113 was reduced by 49.2%. The adsorption rate of the two dyes was both increased. Polyaniline addition enhances the ionic mobility rate and accelerates the movement of dye molecules. Moreover, the composite foams exhibited excellent selective adsorption capacity and reusability. The study indicates that the conductive polymer could find its share in developing high-performance adsorbents.

Pilot-scale pyrolysis and activation of typical biomass chips in an interconnected dual fluidized bed: Comparison and analysis of products

A 150 kg/h novel pilot dual fluidized bed (DFB) was designed, constructed, and commissioned. In this study, six types of biomass chips were investigated and compared in interconnected pyrolysis and activation/gasification systems using dolomite as bed material, and employing steam and flue gas as activation agents. The maximum iodine and methylene blue adsorption capacities were 436.79 mg/g (pear wood char) and 203.65 mg/g (walnut wood char), respectively, indicating high adsorption capacity of char. The carbon fixation ratios were 34.70–53.75 wt%, and the maximum lower heating value of 9.34 MJ/Nm3 was achieved for pyrolysis gas with the highest CO and H2 contents of 44.30 vol% and 16.18 vol%, respectively. The maximum phenolic compounds reached 73.46% for mesquite wood chips oil. Oils collected from the riser contained fewer organic species compared to oil from pyrolyzer. Furthermore, energy efficiencies were found to range from 66.70% to 84.91%, and the total energy yields were 67.12–87.08%. The internal rate of return and payback period of the process were 33.25–44.29% and 3.0–2.2 years, respectively. Co-production of activated biochar, combustible gas, and oils from the interconnected DFB system exemplifies noteworthy environmental and economic advantages for sustainable energy practices.