Single-step fabrication and environmental applications of activated carbon-containing porous cellulose beads

Activated carbon (AC)-containing porous cellulose beads (ACPBs) with a three-dimensionally interconnected porous structure and high impact strength were prepared in a single step from cellulose acetate and AC via a non solvent-induced phase separation process at room temperature. The adsorption behavior of the ACPBs was evaluated using toluidine blue (TB) dye as a model adsorbate. The effects of initial dye concentration and contact time on the adsorption kinetics and isotherms of ACPBs were studied. The adsorption of TB by the ACPBs followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and could be expressed by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. ACPB adsorbed 119.1 mg/g of TB at an initial TB concentration of 101.0 mg/L and the Langmuir equation predicted that the maximum adsorption capacity of ACPBs for TB was 123.5 mg/g. ACPBs could retain original shape and around 85% of their adsorption capacity after three times recycle. Furthermore, ACPBs efficiently removed malodorous gases from gas mixtures, indicating potential for environmental applications including toxic dye and gas elimination.

Automated summary

Porous cellulose beads containing activated carbon (ACPBs) were successfully prepared from cellulose acetate and AC through a non solvent-induced phase separation process at room temperature. The ACPBs exhibited high adsorption capacity for toluidine blue (TB) dye, following pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The ACPBs showed potential for environmental applications in removing toxic dyes and malodorous gases.