4.7 Article

Biomass fly ash geopolymer monoliths for effective methylene blue removal from wastewaters

Journal

JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
Volume 171, Issue -, Pages 783-794

Publisher

ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.10.078

Keywords

Inorganic polymer; Porosity; Adsorption; Waste; Dye

Funding

  1. project CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials (FCT) [POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007679, UID/CTM/50011/2013]
  2. national funds through the FCT/MEC
  3. FEDER

Ask authors/readers for more resources

For the first time biomass fly ash geopolymer monoliths were used as adsorbents for the removal of methylene blue from synthetic wastewaters. Highly porous and lightweight fly ash-based geopolymers were produced and then evaluated as methylene blue adsorbents. The geopolymers' porosity strongly affects the dye extraction, a threefold increase (from 5.4 to 15.4 mg/g) being observed when the porosity rises from 40.7 to 80.6%. The maximum uptake reported here (15.4 mg/g) surpasses several other powdered adsorbents, which demonstrates the interesting potential of this innovative adsorbent. Moreover, these monolithic adsorbents can be used directly in packed beds as membranes, this being a major advantage over powdered adsorbents. Furthermore, these adsorbents were successfully regenerated and reused (up to five cycles) without compromising the performances. In fact, enhanced methylene blue uptake (up to 20.5 mg/g) was observed after regeneration. Additionally, an unexplored waste stream was used as raw material which mitigates the waste environmental footprint contributing towards a circular economy. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Authors

I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.

Reviews

Primary Rating

4.7
Not enough ratings

Secondary Ratings

Novelty
-
Significance
-
Scientific rigor
-
Rate this paper

Recommended

Article Construction & Building Technology

Architectural technologies for life environment: Spent coffee ground reuse in lime-based mortars. A preliminary assessment for innovative green thermo-plasters

Manfredi Saeli, Marinelia N. Capela, Tiziana Campisi, M. Paula Seabra, David M. Tobaldi, C. Manuela La Fata

Summary: This study explored the engineering performance of bio-composite mortars made from coffee waste, finding that a small amount of coffee waste can decrease material density, reduce mechanical performance, and thermal conductivity while still maintaining acceptable values for plastering application. After a multi-criteria analysis, it was found that a mix containing 10% coffee waste was preferable. Virtual energy simulations showed that this mix had better energy performance in cold climates.

CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Unravelling the Affinity of Alkali-Activated Fly Ash Cubic Foams towards Heavy Metals Sorption

Ana P. F. Caetano, Joao Carvalheiras, Luciano Senff, Maria P. Seabra, Robert C. Pullar, Joao A. Labrincha, Rui M. Novais

Summary: This study produced alkali-activated fly ash-derived foams at room temperature through direct foaming using aluminum powder, and evaluated their selectivity as adsorbents for extracting heavy metals from aqueous solutions. The results showed that the foams had a higher affinity towards lead and preserved this superior affinity even in multicomponent assays.

MATERIALS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

The Role of an Industrial Alkaline Wastewater in the Alkali Activation of Biomass Fly Ash

Catarina C. Novo, Luciano Senff, Maria P. Seabra, Rui M. Novais, Joao A. Labrincha

Summary: This study aims to reduce the environmental impact of alkali-activated materials by replacing a commercial activator with industrial wastewater. The results show that the use of industrial wastewater decreases the workability and setting times of the materials, but does not compromise their mechanical performance.

APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL (2022)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Metakaolin/red mud-derived geopolymer monoliths: Novel bulk-type sorbents for lead removal from wastewaters

Joao Carvalheiras, Rui M. Novais, Joao A. Labrincha

Summary: The study synthesized geopolymer monoliths using metakaolin and red mud as solid precursors, which have hierarchical porosity and suitable compressive strength, making them effective bulk-type sorbents for heavy metal removal. The use of red mud-containing geopolymer monoliths in extracting lead from wastewater was evaluated, and the results showed high lead removal capacity and successful regeneration for multiple sorption cycles. These findings contribute to the potential industrial application of clay derived geopolymers in wastewater treatment and provide a sustainable recycling strategy for red mud waste.

APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE (2023)

Article Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

3D-printed red mud/metakaolin-based geopolymers as water pollutant sorbents of methylene blue

Nuno P. F. Goncalves, Susana M. Olhero, Joao A. Labrincha, Rui M. Novais

Summary: This study presents a new management strategy for bauxite residue or red mud (RM), a hazardous waste derived from the alumina industry. Porous structures containing RM were prepared for the extraction of methylene blue (MB) from synthetic wastewater. The structures exhibited high compressive strength, high open porosity, large specific surface area, and excellent stability. Batch adsorption tests showed that the RM/MK-based structures had a high MB uptake, ranking them among the best performing geopolymer adsorbents. Furthermore, the structures were successfully regenerated and reused without compromising their performance.

JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION (2023)

Article Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

Development of energy-saving innovative hydraulic mortars reusing spent coffee ground for applications in construction

Manfredi Saeli, Marinelia N. Capela, Clara Piccirillo, David M. Tobaldi, M. Paula Seabra, Francesca Scalera, Raffaella Striani, Carola Esposito Corcione, Tiziana Campisi

Summary: This paper presents the development of green bio-composite mortars by reusing spent coffee ground (SCG) in the Circular Economy approach. The addition of SCG in the mortar resulted in a more compact structure and various concrete applications. Despite a decrease in bulk density, the mechanical performance remained suitable for masonry applications. The reused bio-waste also led to a reduction in manufacturing cost and showed promising potential for energy-saving uses in buildings.

JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION (2023)

Article Geochemistry & Geophysics

Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Lightweight Geopolymer Mortar Panels

Cleidson Alves, Fernando Pelisser, Joao Labrincha, Rui Novais

Summary: Lightweight geopolymers have been studied and used in specific applications due to their unique properties and lower environmental impacts. In this study, lightweight geopolymers using metakaolin, sodium silicate, sodium hydroxide, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were evaluated. The effects of H2O2 concentration on various properties were determined, and a thermal conductivity simulation was performed for cladding panels. The results showed that mortars with a H2O2 concentration of 0.2% had a compressive strength of 18 MPa and a thermal conductivity of 0.55 W/mK, which was 60% lower than the reference composition.

MINERALS (2023)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Technical, Environmental, and Cost Assessment of Granite Sludge Valorisation

Elena Surra, Joao Sousa, Manuela Correia, Joao Carvalheiras, Joao A. Labrincha, Jose C. Marques, Nuno Lapa, Cristina Delerue-Matos

Summary: This study provides important information on the feasibility of using granite sludge as a substitute for feldspar in ceramics and as a substitute for inert filler in structural concrete. The results show that while granite sludge can be used as a substitute for feldspar, its tinting effect may limit its applications in certain ceramic products. Similarly, using granite sludge as a substitute for inert filler in concrete reduces strength and increases water:cement ratio. However, the environmental impacts of using granite sludge as an inert filler are lower than as a substitute for feldspar in most impact categories.

APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL (2023)

Article Construction & Building Technology

The impact of granulation on the mineralogy of a modified-BOF slag and the effect on kinetics and compressive strength after alkali activation

Pavel Leonardo Lopez Gonzalez, Rui Miguel Novais, Joao Labrincha, Bart Blanpain, Yiannis Pontikes

Summary: This study investigated the influence of mineralogical changes in modified BOFS on the properties of alkali-activated binders. The amorphous-crystalline proportions of particles from different size ranges were quantified and activated with NaOH solutions. The results showed that these reactions affected the reaction kinetics and mechanical strength of the produced binders. The differences in amorphous content between fine and coarse fractions were found to interact with admixtures and liquid-to-solid ratio, impacting the kinetics of cementitious reactions and the rate of strength development.

CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES (2023)

Review Construction & Building Technology

A state-of-the-art review of recent advances in porous geopolymer: Applications in adsorption of inorganic and organic contaminants in water

Youssef Ettahiri, Brahim Bouargane, Kamal Fritah, Brahim Akhsassi, L. Perez-Villarejo, Ayoub Aziz, Lahcen Bouna, Abdeljalil Benlhachemi, Rui M. Novais

Summary: This review article discusses the potential of porous geopolymers in removing various contaminants from aqueous solutions, such as heavy metals, dyes, drug residues, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. The article also provides an overview of recent preparation methods and characteristics of geopolymers. The high porosity of geopolymers allows for the adsorption of large quantities of pollutants, and they have been shown to be thermally stable. Further optimization of fabrication procedures and exploration of novel applications are recommended.

CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS (2023)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Development of Eco-Mortars with the Incorporation of Municipal Solid Wastes Incineration Ash

Ines S. Vilarinho, Goncalo Guimaraes, Joao A. Labrincha, Maria P. Seabra

Summary: This paper studies the use of municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (BA) as a replacement for clinker/cement in the cement industry. It found that using BA as aggregate leads to deterioration of the mortar surface, making it unfeasible. However, using BA as a partial binder substitute or as filler can be suitable for walls with a minimum required mechanical resistance of 5 MPa. These mortars also demonstrated resilience against freeze-thaw cycles and even exhibited increased compressive strength after 25 cycles.

MATERIALS (2023)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Exploring Design Optimization of Self-Compacting Mortars with Response Surface Methodology

Stephanie Rocha, Guilherme Ascensao, Lino Maia

Summary: Self-compacting cementitious mixtures have gained significance in the construction market due to their improved compaction, workability, fluidity, and mechanical properties. This study aimed to optimize the fresh properties and strength development of self-compacting mortars using statistical response surface methodology.

APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL (2023)

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Catalyst-free CNTs growth on red mud-based alkali activated adsorbents: Innovative route to boost heavy metals adsorption from wastewaters

Joao Carvalheiras, Ines E. Oliveira, Ricardo M. Silva, Rui F. Silva, Rui M. Novais, Joao A. Labrincha

Summary: This study reports for the first time the synthesis and growth of carbon nanotubes on red mud, utilizing the iron present in the waste material and avoiding the use of commercial catalysts. The modified materials showed remarkable lead removal capacity.

MATERIALS LETTERS (2023)

Article Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

Relative evaluation of probabilistic methods for spatio-temporal wind forecasting

Lars odegaard Bentsen, Narada Dilp Warakagoda, Roy Stenbro, Paal Engelstad

Summary: This study investigates uncertainty modeling in wind power forecasting using different parametric and non-parametric methods. Johnson's SU distribution is found to outperform Gaussian distributions in predicting wind power. This research contributes to the literature by introducing Johnson's SU distribution as a candidate for probabilistic wind forecasting.

JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION (2024)

Article Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

Comparison of ethane recovery processes for lean gas based on a coupled model

Xing Liu, Qiuchen Wang, Yunhao Wen, Long Li, Xinfang Zhang, Yi Wang

Summary: This study analyzes the characteristics of process parameters in three lean gas ethane recovery processes and establishes a prediction and multiobjective optimization model for ethane recovery and system energy consumption. A new method for comparing ethane recovery processes for lean gas is proposed, and the addition of extra coolers improves the ethane recovery. The support vector regression model based on grey wolf optimization demonstrates the highest prediction accuracy, and the multiobjective multiverse optimization algorithm shows the best optimization performance and diversity in the solutions.

JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION (2024)

Article Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

A novel deep-learning framework for short-term prediction of cooling load in public buildings

Cairong Song, Haidong Yang, Xian-Bing Meng, Pan Yang, Jianyang Cai, Hao Bao, Kangkang Xu

Summary: The paper proposes a novel deep learning-based prediction framework, aTCN-LSTM, for accurate cooling load predictions. The framework utilizes a gate-controlled multi-head temporal convolutional network and a sparse probabilistic self-attention mechanism with a bidirectional long short-term memory network to capture both temporal and long-term dependencies in the cooling load sequences. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method, which can serve as an effective guide for HVAC chiller scheduling and demand management initiatives.

JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION (2024)

Article Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

The impact of social interaction and information acquisition on the adoption of soil and water conservation technology by farmers: Evidence from the Loess Plateau, China

Zhe Chen, Xiaojing Li, Xianli Xia, Jizhou Zhang

Summary: This study uses survey data from the Loess Plateau in China to evaluate the impact of social interaction on the adoption of soil and water conservation (SWC) technology by farmers. The study finds that social interaction increases the likelihood of farmers adopting SWC, and internet use moderates this effect. The positive impact of social interaction on SWC adoption is more pronounced for farmers in larger villages and those who join cooperative societies.

JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION (2024)

Article Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

Study on synergistic heat transfer enhancement and adaptive control behavior of baffle under sudden change of inlet velocity in a micro combustor

Chenghua Zhang, Yunfei Yan, Kaiming Shen, Zongguo Xue, Jingxiang You, Yonghong Wu, Ziqiang He

Summary: This paper reports a novel method that significantly improves combustion performance, including heat transfer enhancement under steady-state conditions and adaptive stable flame regulation under velocity sudden increase.

JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION (2024)