CNT-sorbents for heavy metals: Electrochemical regeneration and closed-loop recycling

Journal of Hazardous Materials
Mohamed A GanzouryCharles-Francois de Lannoy

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination of aquatic environments is a major concern. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are among the most effective adsorbents for heavy metal removal due. However, their high cost and their uncertain environmental impact necessitates a closed-loop process through sorbent regeneration and recycling for practical application. Our work demonstrates heavy metal adsorption by carboxylic acid-functionalized single-walled/double-walled carbon nanotubes (f-SW/DWCNTs) and their regeneration using electric fields. We follow a multi-step process: 1) copper in an aqueous solution is adsorbed onto the surface of f-SW/DWCNTs, 2) the copper-saturated f-SW/DWCNTs are filtered onto a microfiltration (MF) membrane, 3) the f-SW/DWCNT coated membrane is used as an anode in an electrochemical cell, 4) an applied electric field desorbs the metals from the CNTs into a concentrated waste, and 5) the CNTs are separated from the membrane, re-dispersed and reused in copper-contaminated water for successive adsorption. With an applied positive electric potential, we achieved ∼90 % desorption of Cu from f-SW/DWCNTs. We hypothesize that the electric field generated at the anode causes electrostatic repulsion between the anode and the electrostatical...Continue Reading

Citations

Aug 20, 2020·Environmental Science and Pollution Research International·Isaac Adegboyega AdedaraEbenezer Olatunde Farombi
Feb 14, 2021·International Journal of Biological Macromolecules·Ali HashemAshraf Abou-Okeil
Aug 5, 2021·Chemosphere·Mohamed A GanzouryCharles-François de Lannoy

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