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

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.