Total Pore Volume Research Articles

Full-Scale Pore and Microfracture Characterization of Deep Coal Reservoirs: A Case Study of the Benxi Formation Coal in the Daning–Jixian Block, China

The pore-fracture structure of deep coal reservoirs is highly important for evaluating, exploring, and developing coalbed methane (CBM) resources. This study considers three coal samples from the DJ57 well in the Benxi Formation in the Daning–Jixian block on the eastern margin of the Ordos Basin as the research object. Based on the coal quality parameters of the coal samples, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), gas adsorption experiments, high-pressure mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) scanning were used to quantitatively characterize the nanoscale pores and microscale fractures in deep coal reservoirs and to evaluate the pore-fracture structure at different scales. The results reveal that the pore types in the Benxi Formation coal samples are diverse and include mainly organic matter (OM) pores, inorganic pores (intraparticle and interparticle pores), and microfractures. The organic pores are diverse in shape and mainly exhibit round, oval, and wedge shapes, while the microfractures exhibit slender stripes or serrated curves. The multiscale quantitative characterization of deep coal reservoir pores and fractures is based on a variety of pore characterization methods, and the pore and fracture volume distributions are mainly U-shaped, revealing the coexistence of micropores and microfractures. The volumes of micropores (0.3–2 nm), mesopores (2–50 nm), macropores (50 nm to 10 μm), and microfractures (>10 μm) account for 78.00%, 6.78%, 2.08%, and 13.14%, respectively, of the total pore volume (PV). Based on a full-scale pore-fracture splicing calculation, the total permeability of the Benxi Formation coal samples ranges from 5.77 to 28.22 mD. The observation results indicate that the microfractures are connected to each other, forming a network structure with strong connectivity. The microfractures are mainly associated with pore diameters>100 μm, accounting for approximately 95% of the total permeability. Moreover, micropores in deep coal reservoirs provide a large space for CBM adsorption, and microfractures enhance the seepage capacity of CBM.

Enhanced Adsorption of Methyl Orange from Aqueous Phase Using Chitosan-Palmer Amaranth Biochar Composite Microspheres.

To develop valuable applications for the invasive weed Palmer amaranth, we utilized it as a novel biochar source and explored its potential for methyl orange adsorption through the synthesis of chitosan-encapsulated Palmer amaranth biochar composite microspheres. Firstly, the prepared microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and were demonstrated to have a surface area of 19.6 m2/g, a total pore volume of 0.0664 cm3/g and an average pore diameter of 10.6 nm. Then, the influences of pH, dosage and salt type and concentration on the adsorption efficiency were systematically investigated alongside the adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics. The results reveal that the highest adsorption capacity of methyl orange was obtained at pH 4.0. The adsorption process was well fitted by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model, and was spontaneous and endothermic. Through the Langmuir model, the maximal adsorption capacities of methyl orange were calculated as 495.0, 537.1 and 554.3 mg/g at 25.0, 35.0 and 45.0 °C, respectively. Subsequently, the adsorption mechanisms were elucidated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigations. It is indicated that electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, π-π interactions and hydrophobic interactions between methyl orange and the composite microspheres were pivotal for the adsorption process. Finally, the regeneration studies demonstrated that after five adsorption-desorption cycles, the microspheres still maintained 93.6% of their initial adsorption capacity for methyl orange. This work not only presents a promising method for mitigating methyl orange pollution but also offers a sustainable approach to managing Palmer amaranth invasion.

Successful synthesis of eco-friendly Metal-Organic framework ([Ni(BDC)]n) allows efficient extraction of multiresidues pesticides and dyes from fish samples

Contaminants such as pesticides and dyes pose substantial challenges to environmental and human health, especially when found in aquatic ecosystems and ingested through the food chain. This requires the development of methods that are efficient, safe and environmentally friendly. In this scenario, this study presents the synthesis and characterization of a metal–organic framework (MOF), specifically [Ni(BDC)]n, designed as a solid adsorbent for the determination of pesticides, including atrazine, bifenthrin, chlorpyrifos, endrin, heptachlor, flutriafol and permethrin, as well as dyes such as crystal violet (CV) and Congo red (CR) in fish samples. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), we verified the success of the MOF synthesis. BET analysis indicated MOF surface area and total pore volume of 2700 m2/g and 0.0136 cm3 g−1, respectively. The adsorption study revealed high affinity of the MOF for the target analytes, with qmax = 208.33 mg g−1 for pesticides and qmax = 4.18 mg g−1 for dyes. The kinetic study demonstrated that the adsorption mechanism follows a pseudo-second order model for all analytes. Furthermore, employing [Ni(BDC)]n, we have developed an efficient extraction method using Matrix-Solid Phase Dispersion (MSPD) combined with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) and UV/Vis spectrophotometry for determination of pesticide and dyes, respectively, with pre-concentration factor ranging from 10 to 100 times for the studied analytes. The methods showed satisfactory linearity for both contaminants (pesticides and dyes), with recovery efficiency ranging from 81-103 % and precision < 13 % (n = 3) for the analytes. Linear ranges covering 10.0–500.0 μg L−1 (R2 > 0.995) for pesticides and 100.0–1000.0 μg L−1 (R2 > 0.988) for dyes. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.5-1.6 μg L−1 and 1.7–5.6 μg L−1 for pesticides, respectively, while for dyes, LOD and LOQ ranged from 2.0-12.0 μg L−1 and 7.6–39.6 μg L−1, respectively. These results highlight the potential of [Ni(BDC)]n as a promising material for efficient and selective extraction in the sustainable determination of pesticides and dyes in fish samples, with satisfactory reuse.

Hierarchically porous electrospun carbon nanofiber for high-rate capacitive deionization electrodes

Capacitive deionization (CDI) is a promising technology that has gained interest for the desalination of brackish water. Hierarchically porous carbons are commonly used as electrodes for CDI due to their high surface areas and controlled pore size distributions that maximize ion adsorption capacity and rate. Electrospinning is an effective way of generating carbon nanofibers with high inter-fiber macroporosity that can be further modified to improve surface area, total pore volume, and pore size distribution. This work describes the use of sacrificial mesopore formers in tandem with a micropore etching technique to induce hierarchical porosity in electrospun fibers. Mesopores are formed via the dissolution of silica nanoparticles that are introduced into the fibers during the electrospinning step. After mesopore formation, micropores are etched into the resulting surface through KOH impregnation and thermal activation. This sequential technique creates a hierarchical network of pores from the inherent macroporosity of the fiber network, to the mesopores, and finally micropores to simultaneously maximize surface area and accessibility. Micropore formation is optimized to maximize specific surface area while maintaining physical integrity of the fibers. The combination of mesopores and micropores enables fast ion adsorption rates and capacity. Carbon fiber electrodes fabricated in this method achieve specific surface areas exceeding 1400 m2 g−1, with pore volumes exceeding 1.0 cc g−1. The pore size distributions are highly controlled, with 80 % of total pore volume coming from pores <20 nm in radius. In 500 ppm constant voltage CDI tests, these fiber electrodes obtain a salt adsorption capacity of over 14 mg g−1 at a salt adsorption rate of ∼4 mg g−1 min−1, showcasing the high capacity matched with high rate of these easily fabricated, inexpensive materials.

Indoor Air Remediation Using Biochar from Bark: Impact of Particle Size and Pollutant Concentration

The growing emphasis on indoor air quality and public health is fuelling the need for efficient yet affordable air purification techniques. In this study, the influence of biochar particle size on its adsorption efficiency toward airborne pollutants was examined. Bark-derived biochar particles were treated by grinding or ball milling, and then, seven samples with different particle size groups were separated. Biochar particles were characterized by particle size, proximate, SEM, XRD, and physisorption analyses. For adsorption efficiency, two different pollutants were tested at variable initial concentrations. The physical composition and XRD patterns of the biochar with different particle sizes were comparable. The ball-milled sample was an exception in that it had higher ash content and additional XRD peaks signifying contamination of the sample. The porosity of biochar was greater in smaller particles. Ball milling increased the specific surface area and total pore volume by 102% and 48%, respectively. Biochar with finer particle size exhibited the highest adsorption potential towards formaldehyde and methanol among other samples. It should be emphasized that simple mechanical grinding is preferred for reducing biochar size to avoid the risk of eventual contamination, greater energy consumption, and slower processing related to ball milling. When a low concentration of pollutant was tested (1 ppm formaldehyde), the effect of particle size on the adsorption efficiency was more noticeable. However, the effect of particle size was less dominant when higher concentrations of pollutants were tested. Smaller biochar particles (&lt;100 μm) are more favourable for indoor air remediation given their superior adsorption efficiency of volatile organic compounds occurring at low concentrations in the buildings.

Removal of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid through nitrogen doped modified palm kernel shell from aqueous solutions

The 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is extensively used herbicide to boost crop productivity by reducing weed and pest infestation in agricultural fields. Due to the high solubility, mobility and low biodegradability, the ubiquitous presence of 2,4-D in the soil, surface and underground water has become serious threat for environment and human health.The present study addresses removal of hazardous 2,4-D by melamine-modified palm kernel shell biochar. A thorough examination was carried out, encompassing proximate analysis, elemental analysis, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, particle size distribution assessment, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), and TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy). Additionally, a comparative analysis was conducted, comparing palm kernel shell powder with biochar activated by KOH. The melamine-modified biochar (PKS-BM) exhibited notable characteristics, including nitrogen composition of 4.2 %, enhanced surface groups, a BET surface area 794.70 m2/g, total pore volume 0.449 cm3/g, particle size of 1400 nm, and 85 % removal of 2,4-D. Adsorption kinetics were accurately described by both pseudo-second-order model. According to the Langmuir model, the adsorption process was favorable, demonstrating a maximum adsorption capacity 990.10 mg/g. Enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy were computed from adsorption data, revealing exothermic and thermodynamically spontaneous 2,4-D adsorption on PKS-BM. These findings confirm the suitability of the synthesized melamine-impregnated palm kernel shell biochar to be used as adsorbent for removal of toxic herbicide from contaminated water.

Synthesis of Na-Alginate templated Montmorillonite-Silica Composite as adsorbent for removal of Rhodamine B

In this study, mesoporous Montmorillonite-Silica composites prepared by using different amount Alginate as sacrificial template, for removal of Rhodamine B is investigated. By alternating Alginate amount it is aimed to switch the porosity of adsorbents thus the adsorption capacities of adsorbents. Synthesized adsorbents had been characterized by using Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and N2-Ads/Des techniques. It is observed that beside the decrease in the micropore volume, the total pore volume of the adsorbents increased with the increasing of used Alginate amount. The total pore volumes of adsorbents synthesized with different Clay/Alginate ratio (10, 5, 1) were found as 0.116, 0.172, and 0.178 cm3/g, respectively. Batch adsorption studies showed that the maximum removal efficiencies were obtained at acidic conditions and the adsorbents had better fit with Freundlich isotherm. Qm values obtained from Langmuir isotherm were found as 24.47, 31.97 and 28.48 mg/g for synthesized adsorbents. Also, adsorption kinetic studies showed that for all adsorbents, experimental data had good fit to the pseudo-second order kinetics model. The model parameters were found as 5.9,6.3 and 6.5 (10–3 g/ (mg min). Thermodynamic parameters were also investigated in the study. Negative ∆Go values pointed out that the adsorption of RhB onto synthesized adsorbents was favorable process. Positive values of ∆Ho and ΔS indicated that the adsorption of RhB on adsorbents were endothermic and rising of randomness during the adsorption of RhB on the surface of the adsorbent. Adsorbents could be recovered at least five times without significant decrease in adsorption capacity.

Density Analysis of Adsorption Phase in the Thermodynamic Study of Shale Gas Adsorption.

Understanding the adsorption mechanism and precisely predicting the thermodynamic adsorption properties of methane at high pressure are crucial while very challenging for shale gas development. In this study, we demonstrated that the Langmuir adsorption model combining with different empirical methods to determine the adsorption phase density makes the calculated isothermal adsorption heat violate Henry's law at low pressure. For instance, the isothermal adsorption heat calculated by the Langmuir-Freundlich model contradicts Henry's law when the absolute adsorption quantity is zero. Given the current challenge in accurately calculating the adsorption phase density, it is necessary to impose constraints on the parameters of the adsorption model by adhering to Henry's law to maintain thermodynamic consistency. We found that the adsorption phase volume of methane molecules lies between the micropore volume and the total pore volume when shale adsorption reaches saturation. The adsorption mechanism involves not only filling micropores but also monolayer adsorption in meso-macro pores. The high-energy adsorption sites for methane are primarily concentrated in organic matter, while within these methane adsorption areas in shale, the high-energy adsorption sites for water are mainly located in kaolinite within clay minerals. The zero-pressure heat of adsorption is a temperature-independent thermodynamic index, yet it is influenced by the water content. It can therefore be selected as a quantitative measure to evaluate the impact of methane adsorption on water.

Low energy synthesis of crystalline mesoporous aluminosilicate consisting of Na-P1 zeolite derived from coal fly ash

Worldwide every year massive amount of coal fly ash is being generated as by product in the power plants which creates economic, environmental and most importantly health problems. Usually coal fly ash is used in cement production worldwide. At present, in Bangladesh, about 95 % of fly ash remains still unutilized. The alkali activation of fly ash has become a top research topic as it is possible to synthesize low cost and ecologically sound mesoporous zeolite type materials. In the present work, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time in Bangladesh, synthesis and characterization of crystalline mesoporous (H3 type hysteresis) aluminosilicate consisting of Na-P1 zeolite with a high BET specific surface area and a high pore volume from coal fly ash based on hydrothermal alkali activation technique have been successfully done. This product has versatile applications like catalysis, gas separation, water softening, water purification, gas sensing etc. The variable of alkali concentration was studied which has the notable influence on the development of the framework of the pores. The untreated coal fly ash (CFA) and the synthesized modified fly ashes (MFAs) were tested by WDS-XRF, XRD, N2 physisorption, FE-SEM, FT-IR, XPS, EDAX-mapping, particle size analysis and other technologies. The BET specific surface area, total pore volume and average pore diameter of the CFA were only 3 m2/g, 0.01 cc/g and 6.3 nm respectively based on nitrogen gas physisorption technique, whereas, after alkali activation at a specific temperature and time, and then curing, significant and promising increased values of the said parameters of 45 m2/g, 0.11 cc/g and 9.8 nm were obtained respectively. In methylene blue dye adsorption experiment, MFA showed higher adsorption capacity (23.87 mg/g).

Microscopic pore structure characteristics and controlling factors of marine shale: a case study of Lower Cambrian shales in the Southeastern Guizhou, Upper Yangtze Platform, South China

A systematic study of the pore structure characteristics of Lower Cambrian shales in the southeastern Upper Yangtze Platform, was conducted using organic geochemistry, mineralogy, nitrogen adsorption, physical property analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicate that: 1) The Total organic carbon (TOC) content shows a strong correlation with quartz and clay minerals. Shales with low TOC content and rich in clay minerals primarily exhibit slit-shaped and narrow slit-like inter-clay particle pores with pore size distribution is dominated by mesopores and macropores. Shales with high TOC content predominantly feature narrow slit-like and ink bottle-shaped pores with pore size distribution dominated by micropores and mesopores. 2) Shale pore structures vary significantly under different gas content and preservation conditions. Shales under favorable preservation conditions exhibit a relatively “high porosity, low permeability, and high gas content” pattern, with well-developed organic pores and a strong pore-permeability correlation. In contrast, shales under unfavorable preservation conditions appear dense, with excessively developed fractures increasing both average pore size and local permeability. The pore-permeability correlation is weak, presenting a relatively “low porosity, high permeability, and low gas content” pattern. 3) TOC content plays a crucial role in controlling pore structure, showing overall positive correlations with pore volume, specific surface area, and porosity, and negative correlations with pore size. High TOC content enhances shale plasticity, resulting in lower pore diameters. Factors such as compaction and unfavorable preservation conditions lead to the shrinkage, collapse, and closure of some narrow pore throats, negatively impacting pore volume, specific surface area, brittleness, and fractal dimension, exhibiting a negative correlation with TOC content. 4) The pore structure of Lower Cambrian shales is complex, with fractal dimensions D1 and D2 exhibiting negative correlations with average pore size and positive correlations with TOC, specific surface area, and total pore volume. A high D1 value indicates well-preserved nanoscale pore surface structures with low complexity, suggesting minimal alteration by external fluids and better shale gas preservation. D1 serves as an indicator for shale gas content and preservation conditions. D2 shows better correlations with various pore structure parameters, making it suitable for characterizing pore structures.

Harnessing microwave energy to transform Nephelium lappaceum L. peel into activated carbon for chloramphenicol eradication in aqueous solutions

Emerging contaminants (EC) like chloramphenicol in wastewater are highly related to human, livestock, and aquaculture therapeutic activities. High levels of chloramphenicol in water may cause toxic effects on an aquatic environment, humans, and animals. The removal of chloramphenicol in wastewater was the main objective of this study. This study explores the use of microwave irradiation in the production of Rambutan peel-based activated carbon (RPAC) at a heating power of 700 W for 15 min under carbon dioxide, CO2 gas flow. RPAC had a BET surface area of 583.44 m2/g, mesopores surface area of 469.87 m2/g, total pore volume of 0.27 cm3/g, and average pore diameter of 2.31 nm. The equilibrium study shows that the concentration of Cp adsorbed by RPAC increased as the initial concentration increased from 4.93 mg/g to 25.10 mg/g. Isotherm adsorption determined that Langmuir was the preferred model since it has the lowest RSME and highest R2 of 3.34 and 0.9994, respectively. It was observed from kinetic studies that the adsorption system relies on the pseudo-second order. According to thermodynamic studies, the enthalpy change, △H° and Gibbs free energy, △G° obtained indicating that the adsorption process occurs in an exothermic and spontaneous state.

Influence of plasma breakdown on pores and fractures in bituminous coal: A new characterization method of breakdown energy

Plasma technology has a potential application prospect in the field of coal seam permeability enhancement. However, the relationship between plasma breakdown energy and the improvement effect of coal pores and fractures is lack of in-depth research. This study proposed a novel method for characterizing the plasma breakdown energy, and three testing techniques, namely, particle size distribution, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), were utilized to examine the pore and fracture distribution of coal samples obtained from Jiulong Mine under varying breakdown energy conditions. The influence between breakdown energy and pores and fractures development is revealed. The results show that: (1) The degree of coal sample fragmentation increases with the increase of plasma breakdown energy. (2) Different breakdown energy induced the development of different pore distribution patterns. At lower breakdown energy, an increase in the volume of macropores dominates. As the breakdown energy increases, there is a rapid increase in the volume of mesopores, a slight increase in minipores, and the least increase in micropores, indicating that plasma treatment primarily improves pores with diameters greater than 100 nm. The test results of the three techniques were mutually verified. (3) Compared with capacitance energy and voltage, the effective breakdown energy obtained by the integral method has a more significant linear relationship with the particle size distribution, total pore volume, and average pore diameter, indicating that the effective breakdown energy is more suitable for characterizing the crushing effect of plasma. During the plasma breakdown process, the expansion stress and thermal stress formed by the effective breakdown energy exceeded the local tensile strength of coal, leading to the generation and development of pores and fractures, which in turn led to the rupture of the coal body. The larger the breakdown energy, the larger the crushing circle formed around the ion channel, the finer the coal is crushed, and the more pore fractures are developed. These nascent pores and fractures provide channels for gas transport, which is extremely favorable for coal mine gas extraction. The research conclusions provide theoretical support for the application of plasma in fracturing and permeability enhancement in coal seams.

In-silico and in-vitro targeting of organic dye pollutants from synthetic and real wastewater by the hierarchically self-assembled laccase@bismuth phosphate hybrid nanorods

The increasing presence of dyes in wastewater and even surface or groundwater has progressively become an emerging global concern. This study evaluated the potential use of facile, straightforward, and hierarchical laccase@BiPO4•hybrid nanostructures (HNSs) in the elimination of anthraquinone, monoazo, diazo, and triarylmethane dyes from municipal wastewater through in-silico and in-vitro analyses. The prepared HNSs possessed rod-like morphological features with more than 8 cycles of reusability and about 10 U mg–1 catalytic activity. The nitrogen sorption analysis revealed that the prepared HNRs presented a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of 15.3 ± 1.6 m2 g−1 and an average pore size of 9.7 ± 0.5 nm. The total pore volume of HNRs was also measured at 4.0 ± 0.1 (× 10−2 cm3 g−1). Molecular docking predicted the preferred orientation of dye molecules with the enzyme's active site, facilitating the formation of stable complexes. The constructed hybrid nanorods (HNRs) showed proper in-vitro oxidation activity on the pollutant dyes with a more than 95% bioremoval for Direct Blue-15, Direct Blue-71, Crystal Violet, and Acid Blue-92. The maximum adsorption capacity of the prepared HNRs was 401 ± 11 mg per g of the carrier after 240 min of contact time with initial dyes' concentrations. Freundlich isotherm well fitted on the removal data compared with the Langmuir model due to the formation of a uniform monolayer of the dyes onto the prepared HNRs. For Direct Blue-15, Direct Blue-71, Crystal Violet, Acid Blue-92, and Acid Red-18, R2 values of pseudo-second-order kinetic were closer to 1 than that of first-order. The thermodynamic evaluations indicated that the removal of the dyes by the immobilized enzyme proceeded spontaneously and favorably (0 > ΔG°), albeit with endothermic characteristics (0 < ΔH°). Bioremoval efficiencies of 32%, 51%, 64%, and 72% were recorded when actual wastewater samples underwent treatment with 0.3 U mL−1, 0.6 U mL−1, 0.9 U mL−1and 1.2 ≤ U mL−1 of HNPs, respectively. Furthermore, the enzymatic removal process led to less toxic metabolites as confirmed using the bacterial growth inhibition test. Therefore, laccase@BiPO4•HNRs can be a worthy approach in dye removal from wastewater due to their distinct physicochemical and catalytic properties.

Effect on the adsorption performance and mechanism of antibiotics tetracyclines by the magnetic biochar used peanut shells as raw materials

Widespread environmental pollution caused by the misuse of tetracyclines (TCs) has become a global issue, necessitating the development of water treatment materials for antibiotic removal. Magnetic biochar (MBC) possesses several advantages, including a wide range of raw material sources and low cost, making it a potential adsorbent that overcomes the limitations of biochar (BC) regarding solid–liquid separation. In this study, peanut shell-derived magnetic biochar loaded with Fe3O4 (Fe3O4/BC) was prepared to study its adsorption performance and environmental factors for TCs. The adsorption mechanism was revealed using adsorption isotherms, adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics. The results showed that the total pore volume was increased, and surface oxygen-containing functional groups were formed of that before BC modification. In a wide pH range, Fe3O4/BC showed high adsorption performance for TCs, with an adsorption rate of over 85%. Chemical adsorption was the main adsorption mechanism, including hydrogen bonding, as well as π-π interactions, electrostatic interactions, intrapore diffusion and hydrophobic interactions. Moreover, reusability and obtaining cost of the material were analyzed, demonstrating its promising application prospects. This study will promote the application of Fe3O4/BC in the removal of antibiotics pollutants from water.

Production of activated carbon from coal with H3PO4 activation for adsorption of Fe(II) and Mn(II) in acid mine drainage

Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) contains Fe(II) and Mn(II) metals, which can cause environmental pollution. This research aimed to investigate the potency of activated carbon made from coal as an adsorbent in AMD treatment. The carbon was made of coal and activated with H3PO4 in a weight ratio of 40%, 800 °C for 120 minutes while supplying 1.5 L/min of nitrogen during the carbonization process. The result shows that BET surface area, total pore volume, and iodine number were 296.4 m2/g, 0.156 cc/g, and 1205 mg/g, respectively. The surface contained many fractures, channels, and big holes, as evidenced by the FT-IR and SEM investigations, and it also had acidic surface functional groups. The optimum contact time adsorption for AMD treatment was 30 minutes, and the first concentration of Fe(II) and Mn(II) metals affected the adsorption. The optimum removal of Fe(II) in AMD treatment was 95.27% at an initial concentration of 3.51 ppm, while the optimum removal of Mn(II) was 99.82% at an initial concentration of 5.71 ppm. This activated carbon has a considerable potency to be used as the adsorbent in AMD treatment to reduce Fe(II) and Mn(II) levels.

Evaluation of sodium thiosulfate activated carbon for high-performance mercury removal from aqueous solutions

The current study presents a novel approach for the synthesis of activated carbon that is both environmentally benign and efficient in removing mercury from aqueous solutions. Activated carbon was produced by utilizing walnut shells as a renewable precursor and sodium thiosulfate as a benign activating agent. This approach effectively addressed environmental concerns traditionally associated with activated carbon fabrication. The resulting product exhibited a BET surface area of 451.1 m2/g and a total pore volume of 0.303 cm3/g. Comprehensive kinetic and equilibrium studies illustrated the underlying mechanisms governing mercury adsorption. Advanced characterization techniques, including SEM, EDX, XPS, and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, were employed to provide detailed insights into the adsorption process. The maximum adsorption capacity demonstrated by the synthesized AC is 164.4 mg/g under the following experimental conditions: 35 °C temperature, pH solution of ≈ 2, 0.02 g mass, and 180 RPM of mechanical shaking. The process was effectively described by the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics, which emphasized the significance of both chemical and physical adsorption.

Three-dimensional Electrocoagulation Process Optimization Employing Response Surface Methodology that Operated at Batch Recirculation Mode for Treatment Refinery Wastewaters

The performance of a three-dimensional electrocoagulation process operated at a batch recirculation mode for treating petroleum refinery wastewater using aluminium as a sacrificial anode, stainless steel as a cathode, and granular activated carbon with metal impregnated carbon (GACMI (Al: Fe)) with mass ratio (2:1) as a third particle electrode was investigated. Effects of operating factors such as the applied voltage (15-30 v), flow rate (50-175 mL/min), pH (4-10), and GACMI dosage (5-10) g/L on the chemical oxygen demand removal were investigated. Using Box-Behnken design (BBD), a mathematical model relating the essential operational parameters to chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction was constructed. Results showed that the effect of GACMI dosage on the efficiency of COD removal was the major one, where COD removal increased as GACMI dosage increased. However, increasing applied voltage would enhance the performance of the electrocoagulation reaction. Experimental chemical oxygen demand removal of 96.25 % was attained at the optimized conditions (applied voltage=27.7 v, flow rate=128 mL/min, pH=5.6, GACMI dosage= 8.7 g/L). BET-specific surface area, total pore volume, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed for the characterization of GACMI particle electrodes.

Insights into nitrobenzene adsorption mechanism on apricot stone activated carbon: A study via statistical physics models and thermodynamic analysis

Statistical physics modelling was performed to analyze the adsorption forces and the thermodynamics of the removal of nitrobenzene molecules using an activated carbon obtained from apricot stones. This adsorbent was prepared using phosphoric acid activation and exhibited a surface area of 1762 m2 g−1, total pore volume of 1.09 cm3 g−1 and an experimental maximum adsorption capacity of 295.63 mg g−1 for nitrobenzene at 298 K. The removal of this organic molecule was exothermic. A double layer adsorption model with two energies was utilized to calculate the main steric parameters for the removal of this compound. This model was employed to perform a thermodynamic analysis of this adsorption system. It was concluded that 2 and 3 adsorption sites can be involved for the removal of nitrobenzene molecules on activated carbon surface. Physical interaction forces were expected to participate in the removal of this pollutant. This activated carbon can be regenerated with NaOH thus offering the alternative of its recycling to reduce the removal costs of this organic molecule from water.

Pemanfaatan Lumpur Lapindo sebagai Sumber Silika Magnetik untuk Adsorpsi Tumpahan Crude Palm Oil

In this paper, synthesis of silica magnetite adsorbent has been carried out from Lapindo Mud silica and magnetite (Fe3O4) using the template Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) through a microemulsion process. This research aims to determine the adsorption ability of magnetic silica material as an adsorbent for Crude Palm Oil (CPO) with varying contact times of 10, 20, 30, 60, 90 minutes and an adsorbate concentration of 0,2, 0,4, 0,6, 0,8 and 1 gram. Silica is obtained from Lapindo Mud extraction using the acid leaching method using HCl. Magnetite was prepared by mixing ferric chloride and ferrous chloride salts with an alkaline base. Synthesis of magnetic silica adsorbent using CTAB and 1-butanol as a surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively. The characterization results from FTIR and SEM-EDX data identified the presence of silanol (Si-OH) and Fe-O groups, magnetic silica adsorbent showed an irregular morphological pattern, the size tended to be heterogeneous, contained Fe, O and Si elements. The XRD results show that there are peaks in the (200), (311) and (440) planes, the GSA results show that the pore surface area is 37.048 m2/g, the total pore volume is 0.321 cm3/g and the pore diameter is 33.907 nm, which indicates that the pores have a mesoporous structure. Based on this research, the optimum contact time is 60 minutes with adsorption kinetics following the pseudo-second order and Langmuir isotherm with an adsorption capacity of 1.76 mg/g.

Hydrophobic modification of walnut shell biomass-derived porous carbon for the adsorption of VOCs at high humidity

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) often contain water vapor in their exhaust emissions, resulting in the deterioration of the adsorption capacity of activated carbon (AC). A hydrophobic walnut shell biomass-derived AC using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polydimethylsiloxane-coated SiO2 (PDMS/SiO2) was developed to improve the selectivity of VOCs under high humidity conditions. These modified ACs were systematically characterized, and dynamic adsorption behaviors of VOCs such as toluene, acetone and their mixtures at the relative humidity (RH) between 0 and 90 % were conducted. The results showed that walnut shell biomass-derived AC has large specific surface area (1853 m2/g) and total pore volume (1.27 cm3/g), strong hydrophilicity (water contact angle of 6.3°), abundant oxygen-containing groups (OH, CO, CO) and aromatic rings. The coating of PDMS/SiO2-PTFE reduces the surface area and total pore volume of AC, but it creates a double-layer rough structure on the AC surface and introduces CF and SiOSi hydrophobic groups, which achieves a water contact angle of 152.8° for 25PSP/AC. The Yoon-Nelson model is suitable to describe the dynamic adsorption process of single- toluene or acetone under dry/humid condition but not suitable for their mixtures. At RH 90 %, PDMS/SiO2-PTFE modified AC significantly increases the adsorption capacity of toluene but is not obviously improved for acetone, which is due to the different polarity of toluene and acetone. PDMS/SiO2-PTFE films on AC have good thermal stability before 500 °C and the hydrophobicity does not change after multi-regeneration at 200 °C. Therefore, PDMS/SiO2-PTFE modified AC has shown great potential as adsorbent to remove the toluene from the humid condition.