Modification of granular activated carbons for enhanced adsorption of dissolved organic matter: Carbon preparation and characterization

Seyed A. Dastgheib, Tanju Karanfil

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Various combinations of liquid and gas phase treatment pathways have been employed to modify two commercial granular activated carbons (F400 (coal-based GAC) and Macro (wood-based GAC)) for enhanced adsorption of dissolved natural organic matter. Modified GAC have been extensively characterized using various techniques. Heat treatment under helium and hydrogen atmospheres did not significantly change the porosity of F400, while it reduced the surface area and pore volume of Macro. Heat treatment significantly increased the basicity of both adsorbents. Oxidation with concentrated nitric acid caused a severe structural change in Macro, whereas a slight change was observed for F400. This treatment also produced highly acidic GAC. Ammonia treatment of oxidized carbons simultaneously increased the basicity and mesoporosity of both carbons. Iron-impregnation with ion exchange and incipient wetness methods produced GAC with high iron contents and low pHPZC values. Subsequent treatment with ammonia shifted the pHPZC to basic values.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalACS Division of Environmental Chemistry, Preprints
Volume43
Issue number2
StatePublished - 2003
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemical Engineering

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