Synthesis of low-density polyethylene derived carbon nanotubes for activation of persulfate and degradation of water organic micropollutants in continuous mode. (15th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ribeiro, Rui S.; Vieira, Octávia; Fernandes, Rita; Roman, Fernanda F.; Diaz de Tuesta, Jose L.; Silva, Adrián M.T.; Gomes, Helder T.
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 308(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04-15
• Subjects: Waste management -- Chemical vapour deposition (CVD) -- Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) -- Composite polymeric membranes -- Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs); Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114622
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: Plastic derived carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were tested as catalysts in persulfate activation for the first time. Four catalysts were prepared by wetness impregnation and co-precipitation (using Al2 O3, Ni, Fe and/or Al) and implemented to grow CNTs by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) using low-density polyethylene (LDPE) as carbon feedstock. A catalyst screening was performed in batch mode and the best performing CNTs (CNT@Ni+Fe/Al2 O3 -cp) led to a high venlafaxine mass removal rate (3.17 mg g −1 h −1 ) in ultrapure water after 90 min (even with a mixture of micropollutants). Its degradation increased when the matrix was replaced by drinking water and negligibly affected in surface water. A composite polymeric membrane was then fabricated with CNT@Ni+Fe/Al2 O3 -cp and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a high venlafaxine mass removal rate in surface water being also observed in 24 h of continuous operation. Therefore, the results herein reported open a window of opportunity for the valorisation of plastic wastes in this catalytic application performed in continuous mode. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Al2 O3, Ni, Fe and/or Al catalysts were prepared for chemical vapour deposition (CVD). Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was converted into carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by CVD. Plastic derived CNTs were employed in persulfate oxidation for the first time. A membrane was prepared by including CNTs in a PVDF matrix. The CNTs-PVDF membrane promoted the activation of persulfate in continuous mode.