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Published on: February 12, 2019
Functional activated carbon: from synthesis to groundwater fluoride removal
Soumia Bakhta1, Zahra Sadaoui1, Nabil Bouazizi2
1Laboratory of Reaction Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical and Processes Engineering, University of Sciences and Technology Houari-Boumediene BP No. 32, El alia, Bab Ezzouar 16111 Algiers Algeria soumia.bakhta64@gmail.com.
This study developed functionalized activated carbons from date stems for effective fluoride removal from water. The best adsorbent, AC-Al(OH)3, achieved 99% fluoride uptake, offering a green solution for wastewater treatment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Developing efficient and sustainable adsorbents for removing inorganic pollutants from industrial wastewater remains a significant challenge.
- Activated carbons (ACs) are recognized as eco-friendly materials with high potential for adsorption applications.
- Fluoride contamination in water poses environmental and health risks, necessitating effective removal strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and functionalize activated carbon derived from date stems for enhanced fluoride removal from water.
- To investigate the efficacy of different surface modifications on activated carbon for fluoride adsorption.
- To evaluate the adsorption performance, kinetics, and isotherms of the functionalized adsorbents.
Main Methods:
- Activated carbon was prepared from date stems and functionalized with aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3), in situ dispersed aluminum particles (Al0), and 3-(aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES).
- Characterization of the functionalized adsorbents was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and zeta potential analysis.
- Adsorption experiments were conducted to determine fluoride removal efficiency, and the data were analyzed using Langmuir isotherms and a second-order kinetic model.
Main Results:
- Surface modifications were successfully achieved, as evidenced by comprehensive characterization techniques.
- All functionalized adsorbents demonstrated affinity for fluoride ion (F-) removal.
- The AC-Al(OH)3 adsorbent exhibited the highest fluoride removal capacity, reaching up to 20 mg g-1 and achieving 99% uptake.
- Fluoride removal followed Langmuir adsorption isotherms and a second-order kinetic model.
Conclusions:
- Functionalized activated carbon derived from date stems is a promising eco-friendly adsorbent for efficient fluoride removal from contaminated water.
- The AC-Al(OH)3 composite shows superior performance, highlighting the potential of tailored surface modifications for enhanced adsorption.
- This research offers a sustainable pathway for developing advanced adsorbents for industrial wastewater treatment.
