scholarly journals Flax Biomass Conversion via Controlled Oxidation: Facile Tuning of Physicochemical Properties

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Leila Dehabadi ◽  
Abdalla H. Karoyo ◽  
Majid Soleimani ◽  
Wahab O. Alabi ◽  
Carey J. Simonson ◽  
...  

The role of chemical modification of pristine linen fiber (LF) on its physicochemical and adsorption properties is reported in this contribution. The surface and textural properties of the pristine LF and its peroxyacetic acid- (PAF) and chlorite-treated (CF) fiber forms were characterized by several complementary methods: spectroscopy (SEM, TEM, FT-IR, and XPS), thermal analysis (DSC and TGA), gas/water adsorption isotherms, and zeta potential (ξ). The results obtained reveal that the surface charge and textural properties (surface area and pore structure) of the LF material was modified upon chemical treatment, as indicated by changes in the biomass composition, morphology, ξ-values, and water/dye uptake properties of the fiber samples. Particularly, the pristine LF sample displays preferential removal efficiency (ER) of methylene blue (MB) dye with ER ~3-fold greater (ER~62%) as compared to the modified materials (CF or PAF; ER~21%), due to the role of surface charge of pectins and lignins present in pristine LF. At higher MB concentration, the relative ER values for LF (~19%) relative to CF or PAF (~16%) reveal the greater role of micropore adsorption sites due to the contributing effect of the textural porosity observed for the modified flax biomass at these conditions. Similar trends occur for the adsorption of water in the liquid vs. vapour phases. The chemical treatment of LF alters the polarity/charge of the surface functional groups, and pore structure properties of the chemically treated fibers, according to the variable hydration properties. The surface and textural properties of LF are altered upon chemical modification, according to the variable adsorption properties with liquid water (l) vs. water vapor (g) due to the role of surface- vs. pore-sites. This study contributes to an understanding of the structure-adsorption properties for pristine and oxidized flax fiber biomass. The chemical conversion of such biomass yields biomaterials with tunable surface and textural properties, as evidenced by the unique adsorption properties observed for pristine LF and its modified forms (CF and PAF). This study addresses knowledge gaps in the field by contributing insight on the relationship between structure and adsorption properties of such LF biomass in its pristine and chemically modified forms.

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 95
Author(s):  
Dexu Kong ◽  
Lee D. Wilson

To address the need to develop improved hybrid biopolymer composites, we report on the preparation of composites that contain chitosan and pectin biopolymers with tunable adsorption properties. Binary biopolymer composites were prepared at variable pectin–chitosan composition in a solvent directed synthesis, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) versus water. The materials were characterized using complementary methods (infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, pH at the point-of-zero charge, and dye-based adsorption isotherms). Pectin and chitosan composites prepared in DMSO yielded a covalent biopolymer framework (CBF), whereas a polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) was formed in water. The materials characterization provided support that cross-linking occurs between amine groups of chitosan and the –COOH groups of pectin. CBF-based composites had a greater uptake of methylene blue (MB) dye over the PEC-based composites. Composites prepared in DMSO were inferred to have secondary adsorption sites for enhanced MB uptake, as evidenced by a monolayer uptake capacity that exceeded the pectin–chitosan PECs by 1.5-fold. This work provides insight on the role of solvent-dependent cross-linking of pectin and chitosan biopolymers. Sonication-assisted reactions in DMSO favor CBFs, while cross-linking in water yields PECs. Herein, composites with tunable structures and variable physicochemical properties are demonstrated by their unique dye adsorption properties in aqueous media.


Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 1052 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahareh Vafakish ◽  
Lee D. Wilson

The detection and removal of heavy metal species in aquatic environments is of continued interest to address ongoing efforts in water security. This study was focused on the preparation and characterization of aniline grafted chitosan (CS-Ac-An), and evaluation of its adsorption properties with Cu(II) under variable conditions. Materials characterization provides support for the grafting of aniline onto chitosan, where the kinetic and thermodynamic adsorption properties reveal a notably greater uptake (>20-fold) of Cu(II) relative to chitosan, where the adsorption capacity (Qm) of CS-Ac-An was 106.6 mg/g. Adsorbent regeneration was demonstrated over multiple adsorption-desorption cycles with good uptake efficiency. CS-Ac-An has a strong fluorescence emission that undergoes prominent quenching at part per billion levels in aqueous solution. The quenching process displays a linear response over variable Cu(II) concentration (0.05–5 mM) that affords reliable detection of low level Cu(II) levels by an in situ “turn-off” process. The tweezer-like chelation properties of CS-Ac-An with Cu(II) was characterized by complementary spectroscopic methods: IR, NMR, X-ray photoelectron (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The role of synergistic effects are inferred among two types of active adsorption sites: electron rich arene rings and amine groups of chitosan with Cu(II) species to afford a tweezer-like binding modality.


2007 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Ros ◽  
C. Canals-Batlle ◽  
M.A. Lillo-Ródenas ◽  
E. Fuente ◽  
M. A. Montes-Morán ◽  
...  

This paper focuses on the valorisation of solid residues obtained from the thermal treatment of sewage sludge. In particular, sewage sludge samples were collected from two waste water treatment plants (WWTPs) with different sludge line basic operations. After drying, sludges were heated up to 700 °C in appropriate ovens under diluted air (gasification) and inert (pyrolysis) atmospheres. The solids obtained, as well as the dried (raw) sludges, were characterised to determine their textural properties and chemical composition, including the speciation of their inorganic fraction. All the materials under study were employed as adsorbents/catalysts in H2S removal experiments at room temperature. It was found that, depending on the particular sludge characteristics, outstanding results can be achieved both in terms of retention capacities and selectivity. Some of the solids outperform commercially available sorbents specially designed for gaseous emissions control. In these adsorbents/catalysts, H2S is selectively oxidised to elemental sulphur most likely due to the presence of inorganic, catalytically active species. The role of the carbon-enriched part on these solids is also remarked.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 1316
Author(s):  
Vanessa Miglio ◽  
Chiara Zaccone ◽  
Chiara Vittoni ◽  
Ilaria Braschi ◽  
Enrico Buscaroli ◽  
...  

This study focused on the application of mesoporous silica monoliths for the removal of organic pollutants. The physico-chemical textural and surface properties of the monoliths were investigated. The homogeneity of the textural properties along the entire length of the monoliths was assessed, as well as the reproducibility of the synthesis method. The adsorption properties of the monoliths for gaseous toluene, as a model of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), were evaluated and compared to those of a reference meso-structured silica powder (MCM-41) of commercial origin. Silica monoliths adsorbed comparable amounts of toluene with respect to MCM-41, with better performances at low pressure. Finally, considering their potential application in water phase, the adsorption properties of monoliths toward Rhodamine B, selected as a model molecule of water soluble pollutants, were studied together with their stability in water. After 24 h of contact, the silica monoliths were able to adsorb up to the 70% of 1.5 × 10−2 mM Rhodamine B in water solution.


2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (7) ◽  
pp. 591-599
Author(s):  
Yaling Tian ◽  
Kai Liang ◽  
Yali Ji

AbstractThe citrate-based thermoset elastomer is a promising candidate for bone scaffold material, but the harsh curing condition made it difficult to fabricate porous structure. Recently, poly (1, 8-octanediol-co-Pluronic F127 citrate) (POFC) porous scaffold was creatively fabricated by chitin nanofibrils (ChiNFs) supported emulsion-freeze-casting. Thanks to the supporting role of ChiNFs, the lamellar pore structure formed by directional freeze-drying was maintained during the subsequent thermocuring. Herein, bioactive glass (BG) was introduced into the POFC porous scaffolds to improve bioactivity. It was found the complete replacement of ChiNF particles with BG particles could not form a stable porous structure; however, existing at least 15 wt% ChiNF could ensure the formation of lamellar pore, and the interlamellar distance increased with BG ratios. Thus, the BG granules did not contribute to the formation of pore structure like ChiNFs, however, they surely endowed the scaffolds with enhanced mechanical properties, improved osteogenesis bioactivity, better cytocompatibility as well as quick degradation rate. Reasonably adjusting BG ratios could balance the requirements of porous structure and bioactivity.


2013 ◽  
Vol 395-396 ◽  
pp. 637-640
Author(s):  
Yi Yang ◽  
Zheng Ping Wang ◽  
Ling Meng ◽  
Lian Jun Wang

MIL-101, a metal-organic framework material, was synthesized by the high-temperature hydrothermal method. Triethylenetetramine (TETA) modification enabled the effective grafting of an amino group onto the surface of the materials and their pore structure. The crystal structure, micromorphology, specific surface area, and pore structure of the samples before and after modification were analyzed with an X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, specific surface and aperture tester, and infrared spectrometer. The carbon dioxide adsorption properties of the samples were determined by a thermal analyzer before and after TETA modification. Results show that moderate amino modification can effectively improve the microporous structure of MIL-101 and its carbon dioxide adsorption properties. After modification, the capacity of MIL-101 to adsorb carbon dioxide decreased only by 0.61 wt%, and a high adsorption capacity of 9.45 wt% was maintained after six cycles of adsorption testing at room temperature and ambient pressure.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document