Important role of pore-filling mechanism in separating naproxen from water by micro-mesoporous carbonaceous material.

Commercial micro-mesoporous carbonaceous material (MCM; 56.8% mesopores) was applied for investigating the removal phenomenon of naproxen drug in aqueous solutions through batch adsorption experiments. Results demonstrated that the adsorption capacity of MCM to naproxen was slightly affected by different pHeq (2.0-11) and ionic strength (0-1 M NaCl). Adsorption kinetics, isotherms, thermodynamics, and mechanisms were evaluated at pH 7.0. Adsorption kinetics indicated the rate constants for adsorption (0.2 × 10-3  L/(mg × min) and desorption (0.076/min) and the adsorption equilibrium constant (2.6 × 10-3  L/mg). Adsorption isotherm showed that MCM exhibited a high-affinity adsorption capacity to naproxen (even at low concentrations) and its Langmuir maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax ) was 252.7 mg/g at 25°C. Adsorption thermodynamics proved that the adsorption process was endothermic and physisorption (ΔH° = 9.66 kJ/mol). The analysis result of pore size distribution demonstrated that the internal pore structure of MCM was appropriate for adsorbing naproxen molecules. Pore-filing mechanism (pore diffusion phenomenon) was confirmed by a considerable decrease in BET-surface area (585 m2 /g) and total pore volume (0.417 cm3 /g) of MCM after adsorbing naproxen (~1000 mg/L and pH 7.0) at 5 min (341 and 0.256), 60 min (191 and 0.205), 120 min (183 and 0.193), 360 min (144 and 0.175), and 24 h (71.6 m2 /g and 0.123 cm3 /g, respectively). The pore diffusion occurred rapidly (even at the initial adsorption period of 5 min). The FTIR technique was applied to identify the existence of C-H···π and n-π interaction. π-π interaction (evaluated through ID /IG ratio and C=C band) played a minor contribution in adsorption mechanisms. The ID /IG ratio (determined by the Raman technique) of MCM before adsorption (1.195) was similar to that after adsorption (1.190), and the wavenumber (C=C band; its FTIR spectrum) slightly shifted from 1638 to 1634 cm-1 after adsorption. A decrease in the Qmax value of MCM from 249 to 217 (H2 O2 -oxidized MCM) or to 224 mg/g (HNO3 -oxidized MCM) confirmed the presence of π-π interaction. Electrostatic attraction was a minor contribution. MCM can serve as a promising material for removing naproxen from water environment through a pore-filling mechanism. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Pore-filling mechanism was proposed by comparing textural properties of MCM before and after adsorbing naproxen. C-H···π and n-π interactions were identified via FTIR technique. π-π interaction was observed by FTIR and Raman techniques. Oxidation of MCM with HNO3 or H2 O2 was a helpful method to explore π-π interaction. Electrostatic attraction was explained through studies: effects of pH and NaCl along with desorption.

Eggshell as a biomaterial can have a sorption capability on its surface: A spectroscopic research.

In this study, eggshell as a biomaterial was used as an adsorbent. This natural waste material is easy to access and cost-free. The surface of the eggshell with its porous structure showed affinity to adsorb damaging chemicals. In particular insecticides cause serious environmental pollution in agriculture, and this is a general problem all over the world. The aim was to remove insecticides from the environment and monitor the pesticides on the surface of eggshells by atomic force microscopy (AFM) images, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV/Vis spectroscopic techniques. Five types of eggshells, Denizli Hen, Coturnix Coturnix Japonica, Light Brahma Chicken, Alectoris Chukar and ISA Tinted -White, were used. Since they are commonly used, Cypermethrin, Deltamethrin and Indoxacarb were chosen as insecticide samples. The interaction effect of insecticides on the surface of eggshells was determined by AFM images; it was seen that the semispherical surface structures of the eggshells were flattened after adsorption. FTIR spectroscopy was used both to detect structural analysis and to determine the adsorption influence. In addition, UV-Vis spectroscopy was performed to evaluate the adsorption and desorption process. Porous media of different types of eggshells with an aqueous solution of insecticides had an electronegativity attractive surface which makes it an ideal adsorbent via hydroxyl groups.