Tannin Industry Waste-Derived Porous Carbon: An Effective Adsorbent from Black Wattle Bark for Organic Pollutant Removal

Juliana Schultz, Tarcisio Wolff Leal (), Gláucia Pantano, Estela M. C. C. Batista, Tassya T. S. Matos, Laiéli S. Munaretto, Jailson B. de Andrade and Antonio S. Mangrich
Additional contact information
Juliana Schultz: Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Paraná, P.O. Box 19032, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil
Tarcisio Wolff Leal: Department of Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Paraná, P.O. Box 19011, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil
Gláucia Pantano: Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Paraná, P.O. Box 19032, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil
Estela M. C. C. Batista: Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Paraná, P.O. Box 19032, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil
Tassya T. S. Matos: Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Paraná, P.O. Box 19032, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil
Laiéli S. Munaretto: Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Paraná, P.O. Box 19032, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil
Jailson B. de Andrade: National Institute of Science and Technology—Energy and Environment (INCT E&A), Salvador 40170-155, BA, Brazil
Antonio S. Mangrich: Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Paraná, P.O. Box 19032, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 2, 1-16

Abstract: In Brazil, a significant part of the biomass is unused, contributing to environmental pollution. The tannin industry commonly extracts tannins from the bark of Acacia mearnsii or black wattle, leaving a significant residue of 70% ( w w −1 ). This study investigates the conversion of black wattle bark into a porous carbonaceous material to efficiently remove organic pollutants. Using ZnCl 2 as a chemical activation reagent, the experiments varied the impregnation time, carbonization rates, and temperatures. Additional experiments aimed to increase the specific surface area (SSA). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed the formation and removal of ZnO, which increased porosity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed an irregular morphology with pores. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated characteristic bands, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) detected organic free radicals. The SSAs exceeded 1000 m 2 g −1 , averaging 1360 m 2 g −1 , with a maximum of 1525 m 2 g −1 . Micropores (1.4 nm) were consistent. The structure of the material and the high SSA suggest a potential for efficient removal of aromatic impurities by π–π interactions. This approach addresses the issue of biomass waste, provides a solution for environmental remediation, and represents a transformative strategy for biomass utilization.

Keywords: biomass waste; black wattle; activated biochar; aromatic contaminants; adsorption (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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