Article
Environmental Sciences
Jintao Lu, Qian Zhang, Qing An, Tong Bu, Yuheng Feng, Dezhen Chen, Kezhen Qian, Hui Chen
Summary: In this study, activated carbon was prepared from sustainable sewage sludge pyrolysis char and the effects of different activation conditions on its adsorption performance were investigated. The results showed that using KHCO3 as the activator resulted in higher specific surface area and adsorption capacity. Optimization of the activation process revealed that the sensitivity of the adsorption performance to different factors varied. Experimental investigation of the removal of dyes by the activated carbon showed that the adsorption followed the Langmuir model and pseudo-second-order kinetics. The proposed mechanisms of dye adsorption involved ion exchange, functional group complexation, and physical/pi-pi interactions.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Song He, Guanyu Chen, Huan Xiao, Guibin Shi, Chichi Ruan, Yuansheng Ma, Huaming Dai, Bihe Yuan, Xianfeng Chen, Xiaobing Yang
Summary: Activated carbons (AC) were prepared using rice husk as feedstock, with surface modification using chitosan as nitrogen source. The nitrogen-doped ACs showed higher adsorption heat and exhibited good adsorption behavior described by the Freundlich model.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Mariya Mathew, C. D. Midhun Dominic, K. V. Neenu, P. M. Sabura Begum, P. Dileep, T. G. Ajith Kumar, Akshay Alax Sabu, Dhiraj Nagane, Jyotishkumar Parameswaranpillai, Michael Badawi
Summary: This research demonstrates the synergistic use of carbon black and chitin nanofibers in the development of green tyres. Chitin nanofibers were prepared from chitin powder using steam explosion and acid hydrolysis. The nanofibers were uniformly dispersed in natural rubber and mixed with carbon black to form composites. The composite with 1 phr chitin nanofiber loading showed significantly improved tensile and tear strengths compared to pure rubber, and also exhibited lower loss tangent at 60 degrees C. This study contributes to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly tyre formulations.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Yoon-Ji Yim, Byung-Joo Kim
Summary: Activated carbon (AC) and activated carbon fibers (ACFs) are materials with a large specific surface area and excellent physical adsorption properties, which can be used as electrode materials to improve the performance of adsorbents or capacitors. Recent studies have confirmed the applicability of AC/polymer composites in various fields by exploiting the unique physical and chemical properties of AC. These composites have demonstrated excellent mechanical properties, stability, antistatic and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding functions, making activated carbon an ideal reinforcing material for low-cost polymer composites.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guangdou Qi, Zhifei Pan, Xueyang Zhang, Shuaishuai Chang, Hongbo Wang, Min Wang, Wei Xiang, Bin Gao
Summary: Microwave biochar produced with activated carbon catalyst shows excellent potential in removing heavy metals from waste water due to its high specific surface area and adsorption capacity. The optimum pH value for heavy metal removal is between 5-6, and Pb2+ exhibits the strongest affinity. The adsorption process is mainly explained by monolayer adsorption and chemical adsorption mechanisms. Complexation with oxygen-containing functional groups and precipitation with carbonate are the predominant adsorption mechanisms.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Shuai Wang, Qingxin Zhao, Weichao Guo, Caihong Xue, Yanying Bai, Huimin Pan, Yongxiang Qiu
Summary: This study used municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWIFA) as an alkali activator and ground-granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) as a precursor to prepare the MSWIFA GGBS binder. Iron tailing sand was used instead of natural river sand as the fine aggregate in the mortar specimens. The research results provide a theoretical basis for the large-scale recycling of MSWIFA.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nitin Muttil, Saranya Jagadeesan, Arnab Chanda, Mikel Duke, Swadesh Kumar Singh
Summary: The storage of waste tyres poses significant environmental and health risks, especially when they are left untreated in stockpiles and landfills. By subjecting waste tyres to pyrolysis and activation, activated carbon can be produced and utilized for various applications, such as wastewater treatment, metal and dye removal, energy storage devices, and electrode materials. The use of waste tyres for activated carbon production is a sustainable alternative to conventional sources, supporting the concept of a circular economy.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xueyang Zhang, Wei Xiang, Xudong Miao, Feiyue Li, Guangdou Qi, Chengcheng Cao, Xuewen Ma, Shigeng Chen, Andrew R. Zimmerman, Bin Gao
Summary: This study produced a series of microwave biochars derived from wheat straw using a granulated activated carbon (GAC) catalyst, and tested their adsorption capacity for benzene series volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The results showed that microwave biochars with larger specific surface area, total pore volume, and micropore volume had higher adsorption capacities, and the adsorption process was influenced by both physical partitioning and chemisorption mechanisms.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Seong-Hyun Kang, Hye-Min Lee, Kwan-Woo Kim, Byung-Joo Kim
Summary: This study presents a method for preparing low-temperature-stabilized HDPE-ACFs using a hybrid crosslinking method involving electron beam irradiation and sulfuric acid crosslinking. The hybrid crosslinked fibers were carbonized and then activated through steam activation, resulting in activated carbon fibers with high tensile strength and specific surface area. The surface morphology, structural characteristics, and pore characteristics of the HDPE-ACFs were analyzed using various techniques.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juan Zhang, Mingming Zhu, Isabelle Jones, Zhezi Zhang, Jian Gao, Dongke Zhang
Summary: Activated carbons produced from spent tyre pyrolysis char were evaluated for their performance in rhodamine B (RhB) adsorption. Factors such as RhB starting concentration, contact time, temperature, and initial pH were examined to understand their impact on the adsorption process. Results showed that activated carbons with higher mesoporosity had better adsorption capacity for RhB.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hale Sutcu
Summary: The study investigated the production of activated carbon from Rhododendron ponticum L. through physical and chemical activation methods. Both methods were successful in producing activated carbon, with structural characterization conducted through nitrogen adsorption and scanning electron microscope analysis.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2021)
Article
Water Resources
Davidson Egirani, Mohd T. Latif, Napoleon Wessey, Nanfe . R. Poyi, Nabila Shehata
Summary: Two forms of activated carbon, granular and powdered, were tested for mercury removal in solution using African palmae shell as precursor. The results showed that powdered activated carbon demonstrated the highest adsorption efficiency with 93%, while granular activated carbon showed 92% efficiency in terms of contact time.
APPLIED WATER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lichao Ge, Xiaoyan Liu, Hongcui Feng, Han Jiang, Can Zhao, Bing Yuan, Huaqiang Chu, Chang Xu, Zhihua Wang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of activated carbon, graphite, fast pyrolysis char, and slow pyrolysis char as additives on the microwave dehydration process of lignite. Results showed that the additives accelerated the dehydration process, improved the surface hydrophobicity of solid products, enhanced combustion characteristics, and increased the concentration of organic and inorganic matter in liquid products.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Liu-Gu Chen, Yu-Hsuan Huang, Yu-Jen Chou
Summary: In this study, granulated bioactive glass (BG) powders were successfully prepared via spray drying and granulation method, producing size-controlled BG micron sphere particles. The results showed that these BG powders exhibited superior bioactivity and biocompatibility.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Junfeng Feng, Huimin Zhu, Yangyang Xu, Jianchun Jiang, Hui Pan
Summary: The study focused on producing high-performance activated carbon using crude commercial Indulin C kraft lignin isolated from pulping black liquor, resulting in high yield, low-cost activated carbon with superior adsorption capacity compared to other commercial lignins. This approach shows promising potential in terms of technical, economic, and environmental feasibility for increasing profit and reducing carbon emissions.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Loreto Suarez, Tomas Emilio Diaz, Iria Benavente-Ferraces, Cesar Plaza, Monica Almeida, Teresa A. Centeno
Summary: The rapid spread of invasive Pampas grass has significant impacts on ecosystems, economy, and society. Hydrothermal treatment is a challenging alternative for proper disposal of the bulky waste from the plant, offering the potential for on-site management and utilization of resulting byproducts. The research shows that hydrothermal treatment at certain temperatures can effectively inertize seeds, produce stable carbon-enriched solids, and potentially improve soil properties.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Lorena Alcaraz, Olga Rodriguez-Largo, Margarita Alvarez-Montes, Felix A. Lopez, Carmen Baudin
Summary: This study investigates the spent catalysts with different amounts of La2O3 and similar Al2O3/SiO2 ratios and their residues after La-extraction. The results show that these residues have the potential to be used as feedstock for mullite refractories. The powders are fully characterized and their thermal behavior is studied. The findings suggest that these powders can be proposed as precursors for mullite materials.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lorena Alcaraz, Carlos Diaz-Guerra, Joaquin Calbet, Maria Luisa Lopez, Felix A. Lopez
Summary: This study focuses on the recycling of spent batteries to obtain high-quality graphite using a hydrometallurgical process. Different types of spent batteries were used as starting materials, and the black masses from these batteries were processed through acidic leaching to obtain recycled graphite. The performance of the sample with better structural quality as a Li-ion battery anode was evaluated.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Isaac Lorero, Monica Campo, Carmen Arribas, Margarita Gonzalez Prolongo, Felix Antonio Lopez, Silvia G. Prolongo
Summary: The zinc alkaline battery is a popular source of portable electrical energy, with a high consumption rate. This study proposes the use of zinc oxide microparticles recovered from worn-out batteries as fillers in epoxy resins to create nanocomposites with improved thermal and mechanical properties. The addition of ceramic nanofillers enhances the barrier effect and hydrophobicity of the epoxy resins. Different nanocomposites with recycled and commercial nanoparticles have been manufactured, and their properties and behavior have been evaluated.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lorena Alcaraz, Olga Rodriguez Largo, Francisco J. Alguacil, Margarita Alvarez Montes, Carmen Baudin, Felix A. Lopez
Summary: A laboratory-scale procedure was developed to obtain lanthanum oxide from spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst. The recovery and extraction of lanthanum was achieved through nitric acid leaching and liquid-liquid extraction.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francisco Jose Alguacil, Felix Antonio Lopez
Summary: A study was conducted to investigate the transport of indium(III) across an immobilized liquid membrane using TOAH(+)Cl(-) and TODAH(+)Cl(-) as carriers. Different variables, including hydrodynamic conditions, HCl and indium concentrations, and carrier concentration, were examined. Indium was efficiently recovered in the receiving phase with a 0.1 M HCl solution. Models were developed to describe the transport mechanism and derive equations for the rate of transport. The study also estimated diffusional parameters and calculated the minimum thickness of the feed boundary layer for the systems.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francisco J. Alguacil, Jose I. Robla
Summary: An investigation was conducted to study the transport of chromium(VI) across a supported liquid membrane using phosphine oxides Cyanex 921 and Cyanex 923 as carrier phases. The study examined the effects of various variables on the transport, such as hydrodynamic conditions, HCl and indium concentrations, and carrier concentration. Models were developed to describe the transport mechanism, and diffusional parameters and feed boundary layer thickness were calculated.
Article
Electrochemistry
Yarivith C. Gonzalez, Lorena Alcaraz, Francisco J. Alguacil, Jorge Gonzalez, Lucia Barbosa, Felix A. Lopez
Summary: The present study investigates the extraction of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) using carbochlorination roasting, achieving an extraction percentage of 99%. Calcium chloride was used as a chlorinating agent, while carbon black served as a reducing agent. Characterization results showed the presence of calcium carbonate, nickel, cobalt, as well as minor amounts of cobalt oxide, nickel oxide, and manganese dioxide in the roasted sample after the processes of washing, filtering, and drying.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vera Marcantonio, Marcello De Falco, Mauro Capocelli, Alvaro Amado-Fierro, Teresa A. Centeno, Enrico Bocci
Summary: Concerns about energy security, energy prices, and climate change have led to scientific research on renewable energy sources and carbon capture technologies. This paper investigates the coexistence of biomass gasification, carbon capture, and conversion technologies for hydrogen production from biomass waste. The proposed model aims to optimize the performance of the plant by varying operating parameters, and the carbon footprint of the plant is lower than the limit set by the European Commission.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francisco Jose Alguacil, Jose Ignacio Robla
Summary: This study investigated the solvent extraction of gold(III) from HCl media using pseudo-protic ionic liquids (PPILs) dissolved in toluene as the extractant phase. Three PPILs were generated from commercially available amines and 1 M HCl solution. The interaction coefficients (e) for the pair AuCl4-, H+ in the systems involving the three PPILs were estimated using the Specific Interaction Theory. Gold(III) was recovered from the metal-loaded organic phases using sodium thiocyanate solutions, and gold was finally recovered as zero-valent gold (ZVG) nanoparticles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Francisco Jose Alguacil
Summary: To mitigate the environmental impact of hydrogen sulfide, its capture and removal from various emitting sources have been investigated. Metal-oxide-based adsorbents have been widely used for adsorption, while solvent absorption can co-absorb toxic H2S and CO2. Additionally, various membrane technologies have been explored for H2S removal.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alvaro Amado-Fierro, Teresa A. Centeno, Maria A. Diez
Summary: This study investigates the suitability of different lignocellulosic sources for injection into blast furnaces (BFs) and explores different thermochemical processes to convert raw biomass into suitable carbon fuel. The results showed that low-temperature carbonization and hydrothermal carbonization can produce biochar and hydrochar with desired fuel characteristics for BF injection, respectively.
Review
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Francisco Jose Alguacil, Jose Ignacio Robla
Summary: With the development of smart technologies, the use of rare-earth elements has become widespread, leading to increased importance and strategic value. Due to their scarcity, new recovery approaches are being developed, with Solvometallurgy emerging as an environmentally friendly technology. Ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents are primary chemicals used in solvometallurgical processing for various unit operations. This review summarizes the recent literature on the use of these chemicals in the recovery of rare-earth elements.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Michael M. Santos, Antonio Luis Marques Sierra, Alvaro Amado-Fierro, Marta Suarez, Francisco Blanco, Jose Manuel Gonzalez La Fuente, Maria A. Diez, Teresa A. Centeno
Summary: Waste-derived hydrochars have been found to be promising materials for reducing resource consumption and carbon emissions in the cement industry, while also eliminating waste and sequestering carbon in civil infrastructures. Hydrochars produced from stabilized organic waste and rice husk were evaluated as cement substitutes in mortars, showing a decrease in compressive and flexural strength compared to the control. However, the blended mortars displayed good prospects for various applications in sustainable construction, with enhanced thermal insulation properties and potential durability.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)