Preparation and characterizations of microwave assisted activated carbons from industrial waste lignin for Cu(II) sorption

Industrial waste lignin was used to prepare activated carbons by zinc chloride activation by using different impregnation methods (with and without microwave treatment) at 500-800 degrees C. Effect of impregnation ratio was also studied. The textural properties of the samples were investigated by means of SEM, cryogenic N-2 adsorption, whereas, surface chemistry was probed through FTIR and modified Boehm's titration method. Textural properties and surface chemistry of activated carbons were found to be strongly depending on the activation temperature, impregnation ratio and impregnation method. BET surface area, total pore volume, micropore volume and micropore area increased with increase in activation temperature up to 600 degrees C and then decreased on further increase in temperature. Maximum surface area of 1172.2 m(2)/g, total pore volume 0.640 cm(3)/g, and total oxygen surface functional groups 3.14 meq/g was observed in case of microwave treated sample at activation temperature 600 degrees C and impregnation ratio 1:1.5 whereas, for the sample obtained by simple impregnated method the above said values are 917.5 m(2)/g, 0.506 cm(3)/g and 2.66 meq/g respectively, using same precursor and conditions. The adsorption of Cu2+ from aqueous solution on samples could be favorably described by Langmuir isotherm, and the adsorption kinetics was well fitted in pseudo-second-order model. Results revealed usefulness of microwave treatment in influencing BET surface area, micropore surface area and type and extent of surface oxygen functional groups and ultimately greater uptake capacity. (C) 2011 Elsevier BM. All rights reserved.