Efficient capture of aqueous humic acid using a functionalized stereoscopic porous activated carbon based on poly(acrylic acid)/food-waste hydrogel.

Abstract Stereoscopic porous carbons have shown good potential in humic acid (HA) removal. In this work, a novel stereoscopic porous activated carbon (SPAC) was designed and synthesized via the self-assembly of a hydrogel based on food waste during in-situ polymerization, vacuum drying, carbonization, and activation. Then, the SPAC was functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and the adsorption behavior of the modified SPAC (SPAC-NH 2) was studied systematically. The effects of pH, contact time, initial concentration of HA, and adsorbent dose were investigated, showing that optimal HA removal efficiency (> 98.0%) could be achieved at an initial HA concentration of 100 mg/L. The experimental adsorption isotherm data was fitted to the Langmuir model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 156.0 mg HA/g SPAC-NH 2. Analysis of the mechanism indicated that the removal of HA was mainly realized through the amidization reaction between the COOH groups of HA and the NH 2 groups of APTES. All of the above results showed that SPAC-NH 2 powder is an efficient, eco-friendly, and reusable adsorbent which is suitable for the removal of HA from wastewater. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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