Advances in activated carbon modification, surface heteroatom configuration, reactor strategies, and regeneration methods for enhanced wastewater treatment. Issue 4 (August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lobato-Peralta, Diego Ramón; Duque-Brito, Estefanía; Ayala-Cortés, Alejandro; Arias, D.M.; Longoria, Adriana; Cuentas-Gallegos, Ana Karina; Sebastian, P.J.; Okoye, Patrick U.
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental chemical engineering. Volume 9:Issue 4(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-08
• Subjects: AC activated carbon -- AO7 acid orange 7 -- DBD dielectric barrier discharge -- CNT carbon nanotubes -- CST concentrated solar technologies -- CWAO catalytic wet air oxidation -- DFT density functional theory -- EDTA ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid -- EKOGRID Eko Harden Technology Oy -- eV electronvolt -- FTIR Fourier transform infrared -- GAC granular activated carbon -- GHz gigahertz -- HH human hair -- KL Kraft lignin -- PCE perchloroethylene -- PTC parabolic trough concentrator -- TCS triclosan -- WAO wet air oxidation -- WFD water Framework Directive -- XPS X-ray photoelectron spectrometry.; Activated carbon -- Solar reactor -- Emerging contaminants -- Plasma -- Sustainability; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects; Environmental engineering; Periodicals; 660.0286
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2021.105626
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-2929

Abstract

Abstract: This review elucidates recent advances and challenges in the surface modifications of activated carbon (AC), the configuration of heteroatoms on activated carbon surface, and the mechanisms of their contributions as functional groups, reactor strategies, and regeneration of exhausted activated carbon for enhanced wastewater treatment. The studies found that different surface modification strategies change the surface chemistry of activated carbon, incorporate heteroatoms necessary to facilitate adsorption, and ozone treatment could increase surface acidity due to the production of carboxylic acids and lactone. Also, the modification methods by plasma and ozone seriously impact the pore size distribution and topography of ACs. Heteroatoms of sulphur, phosphorus, oxygen and nitrogen on the AC surface promote the adsorption of pollutants. Notable amongst the studied reactor strategies, microwave reactors present shorter activation time compared to other reactors. However, production in large volumes is still problematic with this type of reactor, and safety measures need to be strictly implemented to avoid radiation leaks. Although, regeneration of exhausted AC by thermal decomposition presents a facile and environmentally friendly route, however, this process adversely impacts the pore size distribution, surface area and often results in the loss of carbon materials. It is hoped that this study will provide detailed and recent knowledge on surface modifications of activated carbons, reactor strategies, and approaches to the regeneration of exhausted activated carbon. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: Surface functional groups can be tuned by different modification methods. Heteroatoms of S, O, N, and P promote adsorption of pollutants. Microwave reactors presents shortest activation time for AC production. Different regeneration methods impact AC textural properties.