Carbon based hybrid nanocomposites in the redemption of wastewater pollutants

Abstract

Conversion of agricultural waste to useful product especially activated carbon will reduce the demand for new resources; cut down the cost and effort to transport and production, otherwise loss to landfill. Due to abundant supply, high density and purity, brew waste is chosen; with the appropriate method of activation the widely used non-hazardous carbonbearing product Activated Carbon (AC) is produced. Dual surface modification namely chemical activation with sulphuric acid followed by ultrasonication clinches the properties of activated carbon. The molecular dimensions of obtained carbon (72.24 wt. %) with the rudimentary pore structure over a range of pore sizes, from visible cavities and gaps through the release of volatiles from carbon matrix ensure large surface area; amorphous and thermally stable. However, a comprehensive assessment of theenvironmental impacts of their manufacturing chain is still lacking. The piece of work evaluates environmental impacts associated with the lab-scale production of 1 kg AC as a functional unit from the obtainment of 2.14 kg feedstock. The environmental advantages over lignocellulosebased carbon, particularly in terms of acidification potential, non-renewable energy demand, and carbon footprint were considered. newline newline newline