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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Porous Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2024 | Viewed by 7552

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Dr. Bożena Czech

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Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin, Pl. M. Curie-Sklodowskiej 5, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
Interests: catalysis; photocatalysis; AOPs; nanomaterials; ecotoxicology
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Dear Colleagues,

The intensive development of analytical methods has resulted in an increased number of substances detected in environmental matrices called emerging pollutants. Although they are detected at relatively low concentrations, their persistence and frequent bioactivity makes them refractory pollutants. Nowadays, existing methods of water and wastewater treatment are ineffective in their removal; thus, there is a need to develop new effective and environmentally friendly methods for their removal. Among various proposed techniques, adsorption seems to be the solution.

Designing effective and environmentally friendly materials is of great importance nowadays. Adsorption is effective, cheap, and does not require any harsh conditions. Furthermore, the transformation of wastes into precious products such as sorbents meets the requirements of circular economy and sustainable development and enables the realization of several SD goals. Engineered materials dedicated to the removal of toxic, refractory pollutants may solve several environmental problems.

We are pleased to invite you to submit scientific articles, reviews, or short communications discussing the latest developments in the synthesis and application of adsorbents (carbonaceous and noncarbonaceous, and composites) and their application in water, air, or soil treatment or any other application, such as drug delivery systems, (bio)sensors, and others.

Dr. Bożena Czech
Guest Editor

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Keywords

adsorbents
adsorption
engineered materials
emerging pollutants
persistent pollutants
water and wastewater treatment
decontamination

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 4210 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Iron–Carbon Nanospheres as Promising Material for Magnetic Assisted Adsorption and Separation of Impurities from a Liquid Phase

by Iwona Pełech, Sabina Lewinska, Monika Arciszewska, Abdul Khaliq, Anna Ślawska-Waniewska, Daniel Sibera, Piotr Staciwa and Urszula Narkiewicz

Materials 2024, 17(9), 2111; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17092111 - 29 Apr 2024

Viewed by 251

Abstract

The composites containing various iron compounds and highly microporous carbon spheres were produced and investigated for structural and magnetic properties. Iron citrate, nitrate and chloride were used to prepare samples and the obtained products contained iron, iron carbide or magnetite. All the produced samples were characterized by high porosity and good magnetic properties. The coupling of the high porosity of carbon spheres with magnetic properties of iron compounds provides a potential application of the composites to removal of impurities from water, followed by a magnetic separation of the sorbent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adsorption Materials and Their Applications)

21 pages, 3918 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Removal of Organic Dyes, Polymers and Surfactants Using Carbonaceous Materials Derived from Walnut Shells

by Małgorzata Wiśniewska, Teresa Urban, Karina Tokarska, Paulina Marciniak, Anna Giel and Piotr Nowicki

Materials 2024, 17(9), 1987; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17091987 - 25 Apr 2024

Viewed by 253

Abstract

A series of new granular carbonaceous adsorbents was prepared via single-stage physical and chemical activation of walnut shells. Their suitability for removing various types of organic pollutants (represented by dyes, surfactants and water-soluble polymers) from the liquid phase was assessed. The activation of the precursor was carried out with CO₂ and H₃PO₄ using conventional heating. Activated biocarbons were characterized in terms of chemical composition, acidic–basic nature of the surface, textural and electrokinetic properties as well as thermal stability. Depending on the type of activating agent used during the activation procedure, the obtained biocarbons differed in terms of specific surface area (from 401 to 1361 m²/g) and the type of porous structure produced (microporosity contribution in the range of 45–75%). Adsorption tests proved that the effectiveness of removing organic pollutants from the liquid phase depended to a large extent on the type of prepared adsorbent as well as the chemical nature and the molecular size of the adsorbate used. The chemically activated sample showed greater removal efficiency in relation to all tested pollutants. Its maximum adsorption capacity for methylene blue, poly(acrylic acid), poly(ethylene glycol) and Triton X-100 reached the levels of 247.1, 680.9, 38.5 and 61.8 mg/g, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adsorption Materials and Their Applications)

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17 pages, 3536 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adsorption of Co²⁺ and Cr³⁺ in Industrial Wastewater by Magnesium Silicate Nanomaterials

by Jing Bao, Yongjun Feng, Yong Pan and Juncheng Jiang

Materials 2024, 17(9), 1946; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17091946 - 23 Apr 2024

Viewed by 304

Abstract

In this paper, two flower-like magnesium silicate nanomaterials were prepared. These and another two commercial magnesium silicate materials were characterized using a scanning electron microscope, the N₂ adsorption–desorption method, and other methods. The structure–activity relationship between the adsorption performance of these four magnesium silicate materials and their specific surface area, pore size distribution, and pore structure was compared. The results showed that the 3-FMS modified by sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS) had the largest specific surface area and pore size, the best adsorption performance, and the largest experimental equilibrium adsorption capacity (q_e,exp) for Co²⁺, reaching 190.01 mg/g, and Cr³⁺, reaching 208.89 mg/g. The adsorption behavior of the four materials for Co²⁺ and Cr³⁺ both fitted the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir adsorption model, indicating that chemical monolayer uniform adsorption was the dominant adsorption process. Among them, the theoretical adsorption capacity (q_m) of 3-FMS was the highest, reaching 207.62 mg/g for Co²⁺ and 230.85 mg/g for Cr³⁺. Through further research, it was found that the four materials mainly removed Co²⁺ and Cr³⁺ through electrostatic adsorption, surface metal ions (Mg²⁺), and acidic groups (-OH and -SO₃H) exchanging with ions in solution. The adsorption performance of two self-made flower-like magnesium silicate materials for Co²⁺ and Cr³⁺ was superior to that of two commercial magnesium silicates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adsorption Materials and Their Applications)

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19 pages, 2042 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Manufacturing Options for Activated Carbons with Selected Synthetic Polymers as Binders

by Iwona Skoczko, Ewa Szatyłowicz, Adam Tabor and Remigiusz Gumiński

Materials 2024, 17(8), 1753; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081753 - 11 Apr 2024

Viewed by 365

Abstract

Formed activated carbon (AC) is a multipurpose product with developed adsorption properties that is widely used in various areas of life. To create AC, hard coal has to go through various processes: grinding, granulation, carbonization, physical and/or chemical activation. Presented research was conducted in the professional company manufacturing activated carbons. Studied AC reached the demanded shape of grains thanks to binders added to granulation process. Research on the AC formed using new polymeric binders (applied so far in other branches: pharmacy and construction materials) is presented in this manuscript. Tested binders were not used before to manufacture ACs in the professional technological line. Such polymers as: sodium carboxymethylhydrocellulose (CMHC), poly[1-(2-oxo-1-pyrrolidinyl)ethylene] (POPE) and enriched methyl-hydroxypropyl cellulose MHPC were studied in this work. Conducted research has proven efficiency of 8% CMHC which allowed for proper granulation and carbonization and reached the best parameters. Single- and double-stage activation was investigated for AC with this binder. For newly manufactured AC BET surface and pore volume increased accordingly from 774 m²/g and 0.58 cm³/g (1-stage) to 968 m²/g and 0.72 cm³/g (2-stage). Chemical elemental features of surface of the best AC showed beside elementary carbon also calcium, silicon and aluminum ions as well as groups with an acidic character, phosphates, sulphates and chlorides. The new AC had a higher Mechanical Strength reaching 99.9% and a lower Ash content and Volatile Matter than AC manufactured with previous binder—molasse. The new AC is intended to be directed for full production line and implementation to usage after positive certification. It may be useful in water treatment. It will also find application in the treatment of industrial and municipal wastewater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adsorption Materials and Their Applications)

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12 pages, 8092 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study of the Adsorption Properties of Individual Atoms on the Graphene Surface: Density Functional Theory Calculations Assisted by Machine Learning Techniques

by Jingtao Huang, Mo Chen, Jingteng Xue, Mingwei Li, Yuan Cheng, Zhonghong Lai, Jin Hu, Fei Zhou, Nan Qu, Yong Liu and Jingchuan Zhu

Materials 2024, 17(6), 1428; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17061428 - 20 Mar 2024

Viewed by 506

Abstract

In this research, the adsorption performance of individual atoms on the surface of monolayer graphene surface was systematically investigated using machine learning methods to accelerate density functional theory. The adsorption behaviors of over thirty different atoms on the graphene surface were computationally analyzed. The adsorption energy and distance were extracted as the research targets, and the basic information of atoms (such as atomic radius, ionic radius, etc.) were used as the feature values to establish the dataset. Through feature engineering selection, the corresponding input feature values for the input-output relationship were determined. By comparing different models on the dataset using five-fold cross-validation, the mathematical model that best fits the dataset was identified. The optimal model was further fine-tuned by adjusting of the best mathematical ML model. Subsequently, we verified the accuracy of the established machine learning model. Finally, the precision of the machine learning model forecasts was verified by the method of comparing and contrasting machine learning results with density functional theory. The results suggest that elements such as Zr, Ti, Sc, and Si possess some potential in controlling the interfacial reaction of graphene/aluminum composites. By using machine learning to accelerate first-principles calculations, we have further expanded our choice of research methods and accelerated the pace of studying element–graphene interactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adsorption Materials and Their Applications)

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31 pages, 18408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mesoporous Carbons and Highly Cross-Linking Polymers for Removal of Cationic Dyes from Aqueous Solutions—Studies on Adsorption Equilibrium and Kinetics

by Malgorzata Zienkiewicz-Strzalka, Magdalena Blachnio, Anna Derylo-Marczewska, Szymon Winter and Malgorzata Maciejewska

Materials 2024, 17(6), 1374; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17061374 - 17 Mar 2024

Viewed by 803

Abstract

This study presents the results of applying the methods of synthesizing mesoporous carbon and mesoporous polymer materials with an extended porous mesostructure as adsorbents for cationic dye molecules. Both types of adsorbents are synthetic materials. The aim of the presented research was the preparation, characterisation, and utilisation of obtained mesoporous adsorbents. The physicochemical properties, morphology, and porous structure characteristics of the obtained materials were determined using low-temperature nitrogen sorption isotherms, X-ray diffraction (XRD), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and potentiometric titration measurements. The morphology and microstructure were imaged using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chemical characterisation of the surface chemistry of the adsorbents, which provides information about the surface-active groups, the elemental composition, and the electronic state of the elements, was carried out using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The adsorption properties of the mesoporous materials were determined using equilibrium and kinetic adsorption experiments for three selected cationic dyes (derivatives of thiazine (methylene blue) and triarylmethane (malachite green and crystal violet)). The adsorption capacity was analysed to the nanostructural and surface properties of used materials. The Generalized Langmuir equation was applied for the analysis of adsorption isotherm data. The adsorption study showed that the carbon materials have a higher sorption capacity for both methylene blue and crystal violet, e.g., 0.88–1.01 mmol/g and 0.33–0.44 mmol/g, respectively, compared to the polymer materials (e.g., 0.038–0.044 mmol/g and 0.038–0.050 mmol/g, respectively). The kinetics of dyes adsorption was closely correlated with the structural properties of the adsorbents. The kinetic data were analysed using various equations: first-order (FOE), second-order (SOE), mixed 1,2-order (MOE), multi-exponential (m-exp), and fractal-like MOE (f-MOE). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adsorption Materials and Their Applications)

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16 pages, 11304 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impregnated Polymeric Sorbent for the Removal of Noble Metal Ions from Model Chloride Solutions and the RAM Module

by Karolina Zinkowska, Zbigniew Hubicki and Grzegorz Wójcik

Materials 2024, 17(6), 1234; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17061234 - 07 Mar 2024

Viewed by 451

Abstract

Nowadays, there is a need for new sources of noble metals due to their dwindling natural resources. This paper presents studies on the sorption of noble metals such as Au(III), Pt(IV), Pd(II) and Rh(III) from model chloride solutions on a newly prepared Amberlite XAD-16–Aliquat 336 sorbent. A “warm impregnation” method without the use of toxic organic solvents was applied to impregnate the polymer matrix. The influence of such factors as hydrochloric acid concentration, sorbent mass and phase contact time was investigated. Kinetic as well as adsorption isotherm studies were carried out. The sorption capacity of the synthesized sorbent was Au(III)—94.34 mg/g, Pt(IV)—45.35 mg/g and Pd(II)—46.03 mg/g. Based on thermodynamic considerations, their sorption proved to be endothermic, as the values of ΔH° > 0. Sorption was spontaneous and favourable (ΔG° < 0). After leaching the RAM module, there was obtained a real solution, in which the metal contents were determined: 38.10 mg/g of gold and 1.76 mg/g of palladium. Totals of 99.9% of gold and 45.4% of palladium were removed from the real leaching solution, with other elements in the solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adsorption Materials and Their Applications)

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25 pages, 13315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Sustainable Banana Peel Activated Carbon for Removing Pharmaceutical Pollutants from Different Waters: Production, Characterization, and Application

by Osamah J. Al-sareji, Ruqayah Ali Grmasha, Mónika Meiczinger, Raed A. Al-Juboori, Viola Somogyi and Khalid S. Hashim

Materials 2024, 17(5), 1032; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17051032 - 23 Feb 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1197

Abstract

Due to the growing concerns about pharmaceutical contamination and its devastating impact on the economy and the health of humans and the environment, developing efficient approaches for removing such contaminants has become essential. Adsorption is a cost-effective technique for removing pollutants. Thus, in this work, banana peels as agro-industrial waste were utilized for synthesizing activated carbon for removing pharmaceuticals, namely amoxicillin and carbamazepine from different water matrices. The chemically activated carbon by phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) was carbonized at temperatures 350 °C, 450 °C and 550 °C. The material was characterized by several techniques such as scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Boehm titration, point of zero charge (pH_PZC), BET surface area (S_BET), the proximate and ultimate analyses, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and thermos-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The SEM of banana peel activated carbon (BPAC) depicted a semi-regular and heterogeneous morphology, characterized by an abundance of pores with diverse forms and sizes. Boehm titration revealed an increase in the amounts of acidic groups by 0.711 mmol/g due to activation by H₃PO₄. FTIR recorded different peaks suggesting significant modifications in the spectroscopic characteristics of the BPAC surface due to the successful activation and adsorption of the pollutant molecules. The pHpzc of BPAC was calculated to be 5.005. The S_BET surface area dramatically increased to 911.59 m²/g after the activation. The optimum conditions were 25 °C, a materials dosage of 1.2 g/L, a saturation time of 120 min, a pollutants mixture of 25 mg/L, and a pH of 5. Langmuir exhibits a slightly better fit than Freundlich with a low value of the residual sum of squares (SSE) and the data were better fitted to the pseudo-second-order kinetic. Furthermore, the efficacy of BPAC in eliminating pharmaceuticals from Milli Q water, lake water, and wastewater was successfully investigated over the seven cycles. The results of the present work highlighted a potential usage of agro-industrial waste in eliminating organic micropollutants while exhibiting sustainable management of this waste. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adsorption Materials and Their Applications)

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19 pages, 4096 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Adsorption of a Cationic Dye onto Wool Fibers as Column-Filling Media: Response Surface Optimization and Fixed-Bed Adsorption Modeling

by Bogdan-Constantin Condurache, Corneliu Cojocaru, Alexandra Bargan, Petrisor Samoila and Valeria Harabagiu

Materials 2024, 17(4), 790; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17040790 - 06 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 553

Abstract

This study reports a simple and low-cost method for water purification using recyclable natural fibers (coarse wool fibers) as column-filling media for adsorption in the dynamic mode. As an instance of a dissolved organic pollutant, a cationic dye (basic blue 9, BB9) was assayed. According to the Langmuir isotherm (recorded at 300 K), the calculated maximum adsorption capacity of the fibrous material was found to be 24.86 mg/g for the retention of BB9. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed for the design of experiments and the model-based optimization of the adsorption process performed in the dynamic regime (fixed-bed column). The optimal conditions provided by RSM indicated an adsorbent column height of H = 13.5 cm and a feed flow rate of F_v = 3 mL/min; these operating parameters ensured a color removal efficiency of 92.56% after 240 min of contact time. The recorded breakthrough curve under the optimal conditions was further interpolated using five quantitative mathematical models (Adams–Bohart, Thomas, Yoon–Nelson, Yan, and Clark) to assess the dynamic behaviors in the fixed-bed column. The best goodness-of-fit was achieved for the Thomas and Yoon–Nelson models. Thus, the coarse wool fibers used in a fixed bed demonstrated a relevant efficiency in the removal of cationic organic pollutants from contaminated water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adsorption Materials and Their Applications)

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14 pages, 2120 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microwave-Assisted Fabrication of Fugus-Based Biocarbons for Malachite Green and NO₂ Removal

by Aleksandra Bazan-Wozniak, Sultan Yagmur-Kabas, Agnieszka Nosal-Wiercińska and Robert Pietrzak

Materials 2023, 16(24), 7553; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16247553 - 07 Dec 2023

Viewed by 646

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to produce biocarbons through the activation of carbon dioxide with the extraction residues of the fungus Inonotus obliquus. To achieve this goal, a microwave oven was used to apply three different activation temperatures: 500, 600, and 700 °C. Low-temperature nitrogen adsorption/desorption was employed to determine the elemental composition, acid-base properties, and textural parameters of the resulting carbon adsorbents. Subsequently, the produced biocarbons were evaluated for their efficiency in removing malachite green and NO₂. The adsorbent obtained by activation of the precursor in 700 °C had a specific surface area of 743 m²/g. In the aqueous malachite green solution, the highest measured sorption capacity was 176 mg/g. Conversely, under dry conditions, the sorption capacity for NO₂ on this biocarbon was 21.4 mg/g, and under wet conditions, it was 40.9 mg/g. According to the experimental findings, surface biocarbons had equal-energy active sites that interacted with the dye molecules. A pseudo-second-order kinetics model yielded the most accurate results, indicating that the adsorption of malachite green was driven by chemisorption. Additionally, the study demonstrates a clear correlation between the adsorption capacity of the biocarbons and the pH level of the solution, as it increases proportionately. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adsorption Materials and Their Applications)

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25 pages, 4156 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microwave-Prepared Quantum Dots and Their Potential Applications as Adsorbents and Chemosensors

by Hebat-Allah S. Tohamy, Mohamed El-Sakhawy, El Barbary Hassan and Samir Kamel

Materials 2023, 16(20), 6722; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16206722 - 17 Oct 2023

Viewed by 753

Abstract

A combination of different eco-friendly materials prepared promising fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) through the one-step process using the microwave heating of urea with cellulose, chitosan, and biochar. Characterizations of the prepared QDs, including the investigation of their structure by infrared spectroscopy, Raman analysis, X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, morphology, and optical properties, were performed. The results showed that QDs possess a small size, high UV absorption, and excitation wavelength-dependent fluorescence. The prepared QDs were also tested for metal ions removal from aqueous solutions. The adsorption at different contact times was investigated to optimize the adsorption efficiency of the prepared QDs. All QDs were found to be an ideal sorbent for Cr(II), Cu(II), Mn(II), and Pb(II). From the data, Cr(II) was more highly adsorbed than other metal ions. The results of the kinetic investigation showed that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model fit the adsorption process effectively. In addition, the fluorescence spectra of QDs were changed after the adsorption of metal ions; hence, the prepared QDs could be utilized in environmental sectors such as wastewater pollution detection, adsorption, and chemical sensing applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adsorption Materials and Their Applications)

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Review

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24 pages, 16818 KiB

Open AccessReview

New Adsorption Materials for Deep Desulfurization of Fuel Oil

by Xiaoyu Qiu, Bingquan Wang, Rui Wang and Ivan V. Kozhevnikov

Materials 2024, 17(8), 1803; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081803 - 14 Apr 2024

Viewed by 687

Abstract

In recent years, due to the rapid growth of mankind’s demand for energy, harmful gases (SOx) produced by the combustion of sulfur-containing compounds in fuel oil have caused serious problems to the ecological environment and human health. Therefore, in order to solve this hidden danger from the source, countries around the world have created increasingly strict standards for the sulfur content in fuel. Adsorption desulfurization technology has attracted wide attention due to its advantages of energy saving and low operating cost. This paper reviewed the latest research progress on various porous adsorption materials. The future challenges and research directions of adsorption materials to meet the needs of clean fuels are proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adsorption Materials and Their Applications)

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