Nano-Silver-Loaded Activated Carbon Material Derived from Waste Rice Noodles: Adsorption and Antibacterial...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Waste rice noodles (WRN) present a significant disposal challenge.
• Developing sustainable and cost-effective materials for environmental remediation is crucial.
• Activated carbon (AC) is a widely used adsorbent, but its functionalization can enhance performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To convert waste rice noodles into a functional nano-silver loaded activated carbon (Ag/AC) material.
• To evaluate the adsorption capacity of the Ag/AC for heavy metal ions, specifically Cr(VI).
• To assess the antibacterial activity of the synthesized Ag/AC composite.

Main Methods:

• Waste rice noodles were converted to hydrothermal carbon (HTC) using a hydrothermal method.
• HTC was combined with silver nitrate and sodium hydroxide, followed by high-temperature calcination for activation and nano-silver loading.
• Adsorption experiments were conducted to determine Cr(VI) removal efficiency and kinetics.
• Antibacterial activity was tested against E. coli and S. aureus.

Main Results:

• The Ag/AC material exhibited a high specific surface area (2025.96 m²/g) and optimal pore size (2.14 nm).
• Maximum Cr(VI) adsorption capacity reached 97.07 mg/g at pH 2 and 293 K, following Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics.
• The Ag/AC composite demonstrated 100% inhibition of E. coli and 81% inhibition of S. aureus after 4 hours.

Conclusions:

• Waste rice noodles can be effectively converted into a valuable nano-silver loaded activated carbon material.
• The synthesized Ag/AC possesses excellent adsorption capabilities for Cr(VI) and significant antibacterial properties.
• This study highlights a sustainable approach for waste valorization into functional environmental remediation agents.