Characterization and adsorption potential of Lignosulfonate-based activated carbon fibers

Abstract

Lignosulfonate, the industrial waste derived from the pulping process, has been proved to be a promising raw material for producing activated carbon fibers. The objectives of the study are to examine the physical and chemical features of the lignosulfonate-based activated carbon fiber and its adsorption capacity for various metal ions. The lignosulfonate fiber was firstly prepared by the electrospinning technique, and further went through a two-step carbonization and followed by an 800°C activation process to fabricate active carbon fibers, where the activation agent was CO2. After the fabrication, properties were investigated, including its surface morphology, specific surface area, pore size distribution, elemental composition, and surface chemistry structure. Moreover, its potential to adsorb metal ions was explored. The results suggested that it contains a competitive specific surface area (898.74 m2/g), and consists of mesopores in major, and micropores in minor, indicating that the product is an effective adsorbent.