Synthesis and application of lignin-based adsorbents for metal cations removal from water solutions

Abstract

This research is focused on the development of a novel inexpensive and environmentally friendly nanocomposite materials that will act as adsorbents for the removal of Ni(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. In support of the trend of the sustainable use and minimization of industrial wastes, lignin was chosen as a biopolymer matrix for the nanocomposite synthesis. Brucite was incorporated into biopolymer matrix as a reinforcing material via co-precipitation method. One part of synthesized nanocomposite material was converted into a coal form by pyrolysis. Both obtained materials were investigated via different analytical methods. The affiliation of the synthesized materials with nanocomposites was confirmed by TEM and XRD. Presence of functional groups was detected by FTIR. The textural properties were examined via BET method. Thermal properties of the synthesized nanocomposites were determined by TGA and DTA. Adsorption properties of novel sorbents were studied as a function of dose, pH, temperature, contact time, and initial concentrations. In addition, the impact of competitive ions and multicomponent system were estimated and regeneration study carried out. Obtained experimental data were well correlated with the basic kinetics and isotherm models.