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Porous Carbons for Environmental Applications

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2023) | Viewed by 25119

Special Issue Editors

LAQV/REQUIMTE, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: adsorbents; adsorption technology; water treatment; porous carbons; nanomaterials; emerging water pollutants; circular economy; green chemistry; heterogeneous catalysis
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Co-Guest Editor
LAQV/Requimte, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: adsorbents; adsorption technology; water treatment; porous carbons; nanomaterials; emerging water pollutants; circular economy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Co-Guest Editor
Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain
Interests: organic and inorganic chemistry; green chemistry; fine chemistry; heterogeneous catalysis; material science

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Porous carbons of a different nature, structure, and properties have found application in a wide variety of fields. These materials are considered very sustainable and ecofriendly, and as such suitable for a number of environmental applications: from adsorption to catalysis, and from water treatment to sustainable production process, including energy production. This Special Issue intends to address the advances and contributions of these materials in relevant areas related to the environment.

Dr. Ines Matos
Dr. Maria Bernardo
Dr. Elena Perez Mayoral
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • porous carbon materials
  • environmental application
  • adsorption
  • catalysis
  • green chemistry
  • biomass carbon
  • carbon for energy
  • water remediation
  • pollutants

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 3529 KiB  
Article
Hydrothermal Carbon Coating of an Activated Carbon—A New Adsorbent
by Marta Adame-Pereira, Carlos J. Durán-Valle and Carmen Fernández-González
Molecules 2023, 28(12), 4769; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28124769 - 14 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1662
Abstract
A new adsorbent material was prepared by coating an activated carbon with hydrothermal carbon obtained from sucrose. The material obtained has different properties from the sum of the properties of the activated carbon and the hydrothermal carbon, which shows that a new material [...] Read more.
A new adsorbent material was prepared by coating an activated carbon with hydrothermal carbon obtained from sucrose. The material obtained has different properties from the sum of the properties of the activated carbon and the hydrothermal carbon, which shows that a new material was obtained. It has a high specific surface area (1051.9 m2 g−1) and is slightly more acidic than the starting activated carbon (p.z.c.-point of zero charge 8.71 vs. 9.09). The adsorptive properties of a commercial carbon (Norit RX-3 Extra) were improved over a wide pH and temperature range. The capacity values of the monolayer according to Langmuir’s model reached 588 mg g−1 for the commercial product and 769 mg g−1 for the new adsorbent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Carbons for Environmental Applications)
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18 pages, 1976 KiB  
Article
The Influence of NH4NO3 and NH4ClO4 on Porous Structure Development of Activated Carbons Produced from Furfuryl Alcohol
by Agnieszka Kałamaga, Maria Carmen Román-Martínez, Maria Angeles Lillo-Ródenas and Rafał Jan Wróbel
Molecules 2022, 27(22), 7860; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27227860 - 14 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1558
Abstract
The influence of NH4NO3 and NH4ClO4 on the porous texture and structure development of activated carbons produced from a non-porous polymeric precursor synthesized from furfuryl alcohol has been studied. The non-doped counterparts were prepared and studied for [...] Read more.
The influence of NH4NO3 and NH4ClO4 on the porous texture and structure development of activated carbons produced from a non-porous polymeric precursor synthesized from furfuryl alcohol has been studied. The non-doped counterparts were prepared and studied for comparison purposes. NH4NO3 and NH4ClO4-doped polymers were carbonized under N2 atmosphere at 600 °C, followed by CO2 activation at 1000 °C and the obtained carbon materials and activated carbons were thoroughly characterized. The porosity characterization data have shown that NH4NO3-derived ACs present the highest specific surface area (up to 1523 m2/g in the experimental conditions studied), and the resulting porosity distributions are strongly dependent on the activation conditions. Thus, 1 h activation is optimum for the microporosity development, whereas larger activation times lead to micropores enlargement and conversion into mesopores. The type of doping salts used also has a substantial impact on the surface chemical composition, i.e., C=O groups. Moreover, NH4NO3 and NH4ClO4 constitute good sources of nitrogen. The type and contribution of nitrogen species are dependent on the preparation conditions. Quaternary nitrogen only appears in doped samples prepared by carbonization and pyrrolic, pyrydinic, and nitrogen oxide groups appear in the NH4NO3 -series. NH4NO3 incorporation has led to optimized materials towards CO2 and C2H4 sorption with just 1 h activation time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Carbons for Environmental Applications)
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16 pages, 3985 KiB  
Article
Improved Adsorption of the Toxic Herbicide Diuron Using Activated Carbon Obtained from Residual Cassava Biomass (Manihot esculenta)
by Jordana Georgin, Diana Pinto, Dison S. P. Franco, Matias Schadeck Netto, Joseane S. Lazarotto, Daniel G. Allasia, Rutineia Tassi, Luis F. O. Silva and Guilherme L. Dotto
Molecules 2022, 27(21), 7574; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27217574 - 4 Nov 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2239
Abstract
The production and consumption of cassava (Manihot esculenta) occur in several places worldwide, producing large volumes of waste, mostly in the form of bark. This study sought to bring a new purpose to this biomass through producing activated carbon to use [...] Read more.
The production and consumption of cassava (Manihot esculenta) occur in several places worldwide, producing large volumes of waste, mostly in the form of bark. This study sought to bring a new purpose to this biomass through producing activated carbon to use as an adsorbent to remove the herbicide Diuron from water. It was observed that the carbon contains the functional groups of methyl, carbonyl, and hydroxyl in a strongly amorphous structure. The activated carbon had a surface area of 613.7 m2 g−1, a pore volume of 0.337 cm3 g−1, and a pore diameter of 1.18 nm. The Freundlich model was found to best describe the experimental data. It was observed that an increase in temperature favored adsorption, reaching a maximum experimental capacity of 222 mg g−1 at 328 K. The thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption was spontaneous, favorable, and endothermic. The enthalpy of adsorption magnitude was consistent with physical adsorption. Equilibrium was attained within 120 min. The linear driving force (LDF) model provided a strong statistical match to the kinetic curves. Diffusivity (Ds) and the model coefficient (KLDF) both increased with a rise in herbicide concentration. The adsorbent removed up to 68% of pollutants in a simulated effluent containing different herbicides. Activated carbon with zinc chloride (ZnCl2), produced from leftover cassava husks, was shown to be a viable alternative as an adsorbent for the treatment of effluents containing not only the herbicide Diuron but also a mixture of other herbicides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Carbons for Environmental Applications)
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18 pages, 2990 KiB  
Article
Valorization of Different Fractions from Butiá Pomace by Pyrolysis: H2 Generation and Use of the Biochars for CO2 Capture
by Isaac dos S. Nunes, Carlos Schnorr, Daniele Perondi, Marcelo Godinho, Julia C. Diel, Lauren M. M. Machado, Fabíola B. Dalla Nora, Luis F. O. Silva and Guilherme L. Dotto
Molecules 2022, 27(21), 7515; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27217515 - 3 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1994
Abstract
This work valorizes butiá pomace (Butia capitata) using pyrolysis to prepare CO2 adsorbents. Different fractions of the pomace, like fibers, endocarps, almonds, and deoiled almonds, were characterized and later pyrolyzed at 700 °C. Gas, bio-oil, and biochar fractions were collected [...] Read more.
This work valorizes butiá pomace (Butia capitata) using pyrolysis to prepare CO2 adsorbents. Different fractions of the pomace, like fibers, endocarps, almonds, and deoiled almonds, were characterized and later pyrolyzed at 700 °C. Gas, bio-oil, and biochar fractions were collected and characterized. The results revealed that biochar, bio-oil, and gas yields depended on the type of pomace fraction (fibers, endocarps, almonds, and deoiled almonds). The higher biochar yield was obtained by endocarps (31.9%wt.). Furthermore, the gas fraction generated at 700 °C presented an H2 content higher than 80%vol regardless of the butiá fraction used as raw material. The biochars presented specific surface areas reaching 220.4 m2 g−1. Additionally, the endocarp-derived biochar presented a CO2 adsorption capacity of 66.43 mg g−1 at 25 °C and 1 bar, showing that this material could be an effective adsorbent to capture this greenhouse gas. Moreover, this capacity was maintained for 5 cycles. Biochars produced from butiá precursors without activation resulted in a higher surface area and better performance than some activated carbons reported in the literature. The results highlighted that pyrolysis could provide a green solution for butiá agro-industrial wastes, generating H2 and an adsorbent for CO2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Carbons for Environmental Applications)
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16 pages, 3390 KiB  
Article
Electrochemical and Catalytic Properties of Carbon Dioxide-Activated Graphite Felt
by Andrzej Świątkowski, Elżbieta Kuśmierek, Ewa Chrześcijańska, Krzysztof Kuśmierek and Andrzej Albiniak
Molecules 2022, 27(19), 6298; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27196298 - 24 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1921
Abstract
The commercial graphite felt GFA 10 was subjected to an activation process with the use of CO2 at 900 °C for 35 and 70 min. Pristine and heat-treated materials were characterized using various methods: low-temperature N2 adsorption, SEM, and EDS. Voltammetric [...] Read more.
The commercial graphite felt GFA 10 was subjected to an activation process with the use of CO2 at 900 °C for 35 and 70 min. Pristine and heat-treated materials were characterized using various methods: low-temperature N2 adsorption, SEM, and EDS. Voltammetric measurements of GFA samples (before and after activation) as the working electrode were carried out. Voltammograms were recorded in aqueous solutions of 4-chlorophenol and sodium sulfate as supporting electrolyte. The catalytic activity of GFA samples in the process of 4-chlorophenol oxidation with the use of H2O2 was also investigated. The influence of graphite felt thermal activation in the CO2 atmosphere on its electrochemical and catalytic behavior was analyzed and discussed. Results of the investigation indicate that GFA activated in CO2 can be applied as an electrode material or catalytic material in the removal of organic compounds from industrial wastewater. However, the corrosion resistance of GFA, which is decreasing during the activation, needs to be refined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Carbons for Environmental Applications)
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18 pages, 9284 KiB  
Article
Activated Carbon/Pectin Composite Enterosorbent for Human Protection from Intoxication with Xenobiotics Pb(II) and Sodium Diclofenac
by Jakpar Jandosov, Mo Alavijeh, Shynggyskhan Sultakhan, Alzhan Baimenov, Maria Bernardo, Zuriyadda Sakipova, Seytkhan Azat, Svitlana Lyubchyk, Nurzhamal Zhylybayeva, Gulmira Naurzbayeva, Zulkhair Mansurov, Sergey Mikhalovsky and Dmitriy Berillo
Molecules 2022, 27(7), 2296; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27072296 - 1 Apr 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3550
Abstract
The use of enterosorbents—materials which can be administered orally and eliminate toxic substances from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) by sorption—offers an attractive complementary protection of humans against acute and chronic poisoning. In this study, we report the results of developing a microgranulated binary [...] Read more.
The use of enterosorbents—materials which can be administered orally and eliminate toxic substances from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) by sorption—offers an attractive complementary protection of humans against acute and chronic poisoning. In this study, we report the results of developing a microgranulated binary biomedical preparation for oral use. It was designed with a core-shell structure based on pectin with low degree of esterification as the core, and nanoporous activated carbon produced from rice husk, AC-RH, as the shell, designated as AC-RH@pectin. The adsorption properties of the synthesized materials were studied in aqueous solutions for the removal of lead (II) nitrate as a representative of toxic polyvalent metals and sodium diclofenac as an example of a medicinal drug. The composite enterosorbent demonstrated high adsorption capacity for both adsorbates studied. Adsorption kinetics of lead and diclofenac adsorption by AC-RH, pectin, and AC-RH@pectin, fitted well a pseudo-second-order model. According to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model, the best fitted isotherm model, the maximum adsorption capacity, qmax, of AC-RH@pectin for diclofenac and for lead (II) was 130.9 mg/g and 227.8 mg/g, respectively. Although qmax of AC-RH for diclofenac, 537.6 mg/g, and qmax of pectin for lead (II), 245.7 mg/g, were higher, the maximum adsorption capacity of AC-RH for lead (II), 52.7 mg/g, was much lower than that of the composite AC-RH@pectin and the adsorption capacity of pectin for diclofenac was negligible. Therefore, the composite material AC-RH@pectin demonstrated substantial efficiency of removing both species which potentially defines it as a more universal enterosorbent suitable for treating poisoning caused by substances of different chemical nature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Carbons for Environmental Applications)
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29 pages, 10066 KiB  
Article
Cobalt–Carbon Nanoparticles with Silica Support for Uptake of Cationic and Anionic Dyes from Polluted Water
by Hassan H. Hammud, Ranjith Kumar Karnati, Nusaybah Alotaibi, Syed Ghazanfar Hussain and Thirumurugan Prakasam
Molecules 2021, 26(24), 7489; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26247489 - 10 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2457
Abstract
Silica-supported hierarchical graphitic carbon sheltering cobalt nanoparticles Co-HGC@SiO2 (1) were prepared by pyrolysis at 850 °C of [Co(phen)(H2O)4]SO4·2H2O complex with silica in the presence of pyrene as a carbon source under nitrogen atmosphere. Nanocomposites [...] Read more.
Silica-supported hierarchical graphitic carbon sheltering cobalt nanoparticles Co-HGC@SiO2 (1) were prepared by pyrolysis at 850 °C of [Co(phen)(H2O)4]SO4·2H2O complex with silica in the presence of pyrene as a carbon source under nitrogen atmosphere. Nanocomposites (2) and (3) were obtained by acid treatment of (1) with HCl and HF acid, respectively. The nanocomposites showed rough hierarchical carbon microstructures over silica support decorated with irregular cobalt nanospheres and nanorods 50 to 200 nm in diameter. The nanoparticles consist of graphitic shells and cobalt cores. SEM, EDAX and TEM elemental mapping indicate a noticeable loss of cobalt in the case of (2) and loss of cobalt and silica in the case of (3) with an increase in porosity. Nanocomposite (3) showed the highest BET surface area 217.5 m2g−1. Raman spectrum shows defect D-band and graphitic G-band as expected in carbon nanostructures. PXRD reveals the presence of cobalt(0) nanoparticles. XPS indicates the presence of Co(II) oxides and the successful doping of nitrogen in the nanocomposites. Moreover, TEM elemental mapping provides information about the abundance of Si, Co, C, N and S elements in zones. Nanocomposite (1) showed maximum uptake capacity of 192.3 and 224.5 mg/g for crystal violet CV and methyl orange MO dyes, respectively. Nanocomposite (2) showed a capacity of 94.1 and 225.5 mg/g for CV and MO dyes, respectively. Nanocomposite (4) obtained after treatment of (1) with crystal violet proved successful adsorption of CV. Co-HGC (5) prepared without addition of silica has a capacity for CV equal to 192 mg/g, while it is 769.2 mg/g with MO. Electrostatics and π–π interactions of graphite and cobalt species in the nanocomposites with aromatic rings of cationic and anionic dyes are responsible for the adsorption. Yan et al. was the best model to describe column kinetics. The thomas column adsorption model showed that the maximum uptake capacity of (1) was 44.42 mg/g for CV and 32.62 mg/g for MO. for a column packed with 0.5 gm of (1) and dye concentration of 100 mg/L at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The column was recycled three times with no noticeable clogging or degradation of nanocomposites. Thus, Co-HGC@SiO2 adsorbents can be used efficiently to treat water contaminated with cationic and anionic dyes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Carbons for Environmental Applications)
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16 pages, 4099 KiB  
Article
Magnetic Nitrogen-Doped Porous Carbon Nanocomposite for Pb(II) Adsorption from Aqueous Solution
by Fatimah Mohammed Alzahrani, Norah Salem Alsaiari, Khadijah Mohammedsaleh Katubi, Abdelfattah Amari, Abubakr M. Elkhaleefa, Faouzi Ben Rebah and Mohamed A. Tahoon
Molecules 2021, 26(16), 4809; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26164809 - 9 Aug 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2353
Abstract
We report in the present study the in situ formation of magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4 or Fe) within porous N-doped carbon (Fe3O4/N@C) via simple impregnation, polymerization, and calcination sequentially. The synthesized nanocomposite structural properties were investigated using [...] Read more.
We report in the present study the in situ formation of magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4 or Fe) within porous N-doped carbon (Fe3O4/N@C) via simple impregnation, polymerization, and calcination sequentially. The synthesized nanocomposite structural properties were investigated using different techniques showing its good construction. The formed nanocomposite showed a saturation magnetization (Ms) of 23.0 emu g−1 due to the implanted magnetic nanoparticles and high surface area from the porous N-doped carbon. The nanocomposite was formed as graphite-type layers. The well-synthesized nanocomposite showed a high adsorption affinity toward Pb2+ toxic ions. The nanosorbent showed a maximum adsorption capacity of 250.0 mg/g toward the Pb2+ metallic ions at pH of 5.5, initial Pb2+ concentration of 180.0 mg/L, and room temperature. Due to its superparamagnetic characteristics, an external magnet was used for the fast separation of the nanocomposite. This enabled the study of the nanocomposite reusability toward Pb2+ ions, showing good chemical stability even after six cycles. Subsequently, Fe3O4/N@C nanocomposite was shown to have excellent efficiency for the removal of toxic Pb2+ ions from water. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Carbons for Environmental Applications)
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13 pages, 3476 KiB  
Article
Supported Biofilms on Carbon–Oxide Composites for Nitrate Reduction in Agricultural Waste Water
by M. Isidora Bautista-Toledo, Francisco J. Maldonado-Hódar, Sergio Morales-Torres and Luisa M. Pastrana-Martínez
Molecules 2021, 26(10), 2987; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26102987 - 18 May 2021
Viewed by 1723
Abstract
Escherichia coli colonies were grown on different supports for the removal of nitrates from water. A carbon material and different commercial metal oxides, such as SiO2, TiO2 and Al2O3, and their corresponding carbon–metal oxide composites were [...] Read more.
Escherichia coli colonies were grown on different supports for the removal of nitrates from water. A carbon material and different commercial metal oxides, such as SiO2, TiO2 and Al2O3, and their corresponding carbon–metal oxide composites were studied. The physicochemical properties were analyzed by different techniques and the results were correlated with their performance in the denitrification process. Developed biofilms effectively adhere to the supports and always reach the complete reduction of nitrates to gaseous products. Nevertheless, faster processes occur when the biofilm is supported on mesoporous and non-acid materials (carbon and silica). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Carbons for Environmental Applications)
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11 pages, 1025 KiB  
Article
Study of the Potential of Water Treatment Sludges in the Removal of Emerging Pollutants
by Rita Dias, Diogo Sousa, Maria Bernardo, Inês Matos, Isabel Fonseca, Vitor Vale Cardoso, Rui Neves Carneiro, Sofia Silva, Pedro Fontes, Michiel A. Daam and Rita Maurício
Molecules 2021, 26(4), 1010; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26041010 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4287
Abstract
Presently, water quantity and quality problems persist both in developed and developing countries, and concerns have been raised about the presence of emerging pollutants (EPs) in water. The circular economy provides ways of achieving sustainable resource management that can be implemented in the [...] Read more.
Presently, water quantity and quality problems persist both in developed and developing countries, and concerns have been raised about the presence of emerging pollutants (EPs) in water. The circular economy provides ways of achieving sustainable resource management that can be implemented in the water sector, such as the reuse of drinking water treatment sludges (WTSs). This study evaluated the potential of WTS containing a high concentration of activated carbon for the removal of two EPs: the steroid hormones 17β-estradiol (E2) and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2). To this end, WTSs from two Portuguese water treatment plants (WTPs) were characterised and tested for their hormone adsorbance potential. Both WTSs showed a promising adsorption potential for the two hormones studied due to their textural and chemical properties. For WTS1, the final concentration for both hormones was lower than the limit of quantification (LOQ). As for WTS2, the results for E2 removal were similar to WTS1, although for EE2, the removal efficiency was lower (around 50%). The overall results indicate that this method may lead to new ways of using this erstwhile residue as a possible adsorbent material for the removal of several EPs present in wastewaters or other matrixes, and as such contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Carbons for Environmental Applications)
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