Efficient removal of cationic dyes via activated carbon with ultrahigh specific surface derived from vinasse wastes

In this work, a simple and feasible approach for converting waste vinasse generated from the alcohol industries into high value-added activated carbon (AC) was proposed. The obtained AC possessed abundant micropores with micropore volume of 0.9613 cm(3)/g and ultrahigh specific surface areas (2015 m(2)/g), indicating prominent adsorption capacity. The adsorption ability of AC to cationic methylene blue (MB) was investigated systematically. The resultant AC exhibited superior adsorption ability to MB with a maximum amount of 2251 mg/g, derived from its excellent pore textural features and abundant surface O-containing functional groups. Moreover, AC showed excellent removal efficiency for treating industrial polyacrylonitrile wastewater with 99% removal within 60 min. Our results provide great inspirations in solid waste treatment and their high value-added transformation, meanwhile exploit a promising application of AC for practical wastewater purification.

Automated summary

This study proposed a simple and feasible approach for converting waste vinasse into high value-added activated carbon, which showed excellent adsorption ability to cationic methylene blue and high removal efficiency for industrial wastewater treatment. The results provide insights into solid waste treatment and high value-added transformation, as well as a promising application of AC for practical wastewater purification.