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Advances in Innovative Adsorbents

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 7469

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
Interests: sorption; adsorbents; catalysts; carbon materials; carbon dioxide; methane; biomass; modeling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
Interests: carbon materials; biomass-derived porous materials; CO2 adsorption; adsorbents; catalysts
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Adsorption stands as a fundamentally efficient process capable of generating a diverse array of chemicals, thus serving as a cornerstone for the sustainable evolution of industries. The literature offers an array of opportunities for further exploration into the design, synthesis, advancement, examination, and simulation of innovative adsorbents, with a particular focus on porous materials, e.g., activated carbons for separation applications in gaseous and liquid phases.

This Special Issue welcomes contributions focusing on various aspects of adsorbents, such as their production and modification techniques, especially for biomass-derived adsorbents; their diverse characterization methodologies; and the modeling and exploration of their efficiency.

We encourage submissions on a broad spectrum of topics within innovative adsorption processes (original research and review papers). These may include, but are not limited to, sustainable processes, innovative adsorbent synthesis, their comprehensive characterization, and their wide implications in global environmental sustainability.

Dr. Karolina Kiełbasa
Prof. Dr. Joanna Sreńscek-Nazzal
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • adsorption
  • absorption
  • adsorbents
  • porous materials
  • biomass-derived porous materials
  • catalysts
  • modeling

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 6481 KiB  
Article
A Study on the Iodine Vapor Adsorption Performance and Desorption Behavior of HKUST-1 with Varying Particle Sizes
by Tian Lan, Xiaofan Ding, Qi Chen, Songtao Xiao, Taihong Yan, Tianchi Li and Weifang Zheng
Molecules 2025, 30(3), 502; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30030502 - 23 Jan 2025
Viewed by 683
Abstract
Iodine is one of the key elements that must be removed from the off-gas systems of nuclear fuel reprocessing. This study systematically investigates the iodine vapor adsorption performance of the metal–organic framework (MOF) material HKUST-1(1-(2-methyl-4-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)phenyl)-3-morpholino-5,6-dihydropyridin-2(1H)-one), with particle sizes of 100 nm and 20 [...] Read more.
Iodine is one of the key elements that must be removed from the off-gas systems of nuclear fuel reprocessing. This study systematically investigates the iodine vapor adsorption performance of the metal–organic framework (MOF) material HKUST-1(1-(2-methyl-4-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)phenyl)-3-morpholino-5,6-dihydropyridin-2(1H)-one), with particle sizes of 100 nm and 20 μm. HKUST-1 samples with varying particle sizes were synthesized via a hydrothermal method. The experimental results show that the 20 μm HKUST-1 exhibits superior crystallinity, a more intact pore structure, and a higher iodine adsorption capacity, reaching 700 mg/g, which is significantly greater than the 300 mg/g capacity of the 100 nm HKUST-1. Kinetic analysis reveals that the adsorption process follows the pseudo-second-order model, with physical adsorption as the predominant mechanism, where iodine molecules are accommodated within the pores. FTIR and XRD further confirm the structural stability of the HKUST-1 framework after iodine adsorption. However, desorption experiments show that iodine molecules are easily volatilized into the air, with a 20% weight loss observed within 10 h and a color change from black to green. The results provide experimental evidence for optimizing the application of HKUST-1 materials in iodine capture and suggest that material modification could enhance the long-term stability of iodine fixation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Innovative Adsorbents)
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28 pages, 3903 KiB  
Article
The Amination of Waste Newsprint Paper with Various Aminating Agents (Ammonia Water, Ethylenediamine, and Diethylenetriamine) to Improve the Sorption Efficiency of Anionic Dyes
by Tomasz Jóźwiak
Molecules 2024, 29(24), 6024; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29246024 - 20 Dec 2024
Viewed by 565
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of aminating waste newsprint paper with different aminating agents (ammonia/ammonia water, ethylenediamine, and diethylenetriamine) for the sorption efficiency of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) and Reactive Yellow 84 (RY84) dyes. To increase the amination efficiency, the paper [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the effect of aminating waste newsprint paper with different aminating agents (ammonia/ammonia water, ethylenediamine, and diethylenetriamine) for the sorption efficiency of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) and Reactive Yellow 84 (RY84) dyes. To increase the amination efficiency, the paper material was pre-activated with epichlorohydrin. The scope of this study included the characterization of the sorbents tested (FTIR, elemental analysis, BET surface area, porosity, and pHPZC), determination of the influence of pH on dye sorption efficiency, sorption kinetics, and the maximum sorption capacity of the dyes. The study results showed that amination with ethylenediamine and diethylenetriamine introduced 87% and 194% more amine groups into the sorbent’s structure compared to the treatment with ammonia. The sorption efficiency of RB5 and RY84 on the sorbents tested was the highest in the pH range of 2–3. The sorption equilibrium time ranged from 90 to 150 min and was longer in the case of the unmodified sorbents. The experimental data from the study were best described by the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir 1 and 2 models. Amination had a very strong effect on the sorption capacity of newsprint. For example, the sorption capacity of newsprint paper towards RB5 (Qmax = 7.12 mg/g) increased after amination with ammonia, ethylenediamine, and diethylenetriamine to the value of Qmax = 182.78 mg/g, Qmax = 202.7 mg/g, and Qmax = 231.5 mg/g, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Innovative Adsorbents)
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18 pages, 4980 KiB  
Article
Innovative Use of Spirogyra sp. Biomass for the Sustainable Adsorption of Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A in Aqueous Solutions
by Wipada Siri-anusornsak, Oluwatobi Kolawole, Siriwan Soiklom, Krittaya Petchpoung, Kannika Keawkim, Chananya Chuaysrinule and Thanapoom Maneeboon
Molecules 2024, 29(21), 5038; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29215038 - 25 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2058
Abstract
This research investigates the efficacy of Spirogyra sp. biomass as an effective adsorbent for the removal of AFB1 and OTA from aqueous solutions. Several factors, including contact time, adsorbent dosage, pH level, and initial mycotoxin concentration, were analyzed to evaluate their impact [...] Read more.
This research investigates the efficacy of Spirogyra sp. biomass as an effective adsorbent for the removal of AFB1 and OTA from aqueous solutions. Several factors, including contact time, adsorbent dosage, pH level, and initial mycotoxin concentration, were analyzed to evaluate their impact on adsorption efficacy. The optimal contact time for equilibrium was determined at 60 min, during which the TPA obtained a 91% reduction in AFB1 and 68% removal of OTA. Although increasing the adsorbent dosage improved effectiveness, excessive quantities led to particle aggregation, hence diminishing adsorption performance. The optimal dosage of 5.0 mg/mL optimized the efficacy and use of resources. Adsorption was more efficacious at acidic to neutral pH levels (5–6), enhancing the accessibility of functional groups on the biomass. Kinetic analysis indicated that adsorption process followed a pseudo second-order model, whereas isotherm studies demonstrated a heterogeneous adsorption mechanism, with the Freundlich model providing the optimal fit. The TPB exhibited enhanced adsorption capacities for both mycotoxins, offering a viable solution for mitigating mycotoxin contamination in food and feed. These findings illustrate the significance of biomass treatment techniques in improving mycotoxin removal efficacy and suggest the potential of algal biomass in food safety applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Innovative Adsorbents)
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19 pages, 4055 KiB  
Article
Carbon Dioxide Adsorption over Activated Biocarbons Derived from Lemon Peel
by Karolina Kiełbasa, Joanna Siemak, Joanna Sreńscek-Nazzal, Bestani Benaouda, Banasri Roy and Beata Michalkiewicz
Molecules 2024, 29(17), 4183; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29174183 - 4 Sep 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1675
Abstract
The rising concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is approaching critical levels, posing a significant threat to life on Earth. Porous carbons derived from biobased materials, particularly waste byproducts, offer a viable solution for selective CO2 adsorption from large-scale industrial sources, [...] Read more.
The rising concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is approaching critical levels, posing a significant threat to life on Earth. Porous carbons derived from biobased materials, particularly waste byproducts, offer a viable solution for selective CO2 adsorption from large-scale industrial sources, potentially mitigating atmospheric CO2 emissions. In this study, we developed highly porous carbons from lemon peel waste through a two-step process, consisting of temperature pretreatment (500 °C) followed by chemical activation by KOH at 850 °C. The largest specific surface area (2821 m2/g), total pore volume (1.39 cm3/g), and micropore volume (0.70 cm3/g) were obtained at the highest KOH-to-carbon ratio of 4. In contrast, the sample activated with a KOH-to-carbon ratio of 2 demonstrated the greatest micropore distribution. This activated biocarbon exhibited superior CO2 adsorption capacity, reaching 5.69 mmol/g at 0 °C and 100 kPa. The remarkable adsorption performance can be attributed to the significant volume of micropores with diameters smaller than 0.859 nm. The Radke–Prausnitz equation, traditionally employed to model the adsorption equilibrium of organic compounds from liquid solutions, has been shown to be equally applicable for describing the gas–solid adsorption equilibrium. Furthermore, equations describing the temperature dependence of the Radke–Prausnitz equation’s parameters have been developed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Innovative Adsorbents)
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36 pages, 6630 KiB  
Article
The Use of Various Types of Waste Paper for the Removal of Anionic and Cationic Dyes from Aqueous Solutions
by Tomasz Jóźwiak, Urszula Filipkowska, Anna Bednarowicz, Dorota Zielińska and Maria Wiśniewska-Wrona
Molecules 2024, 29(12), 2809; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29122809 - 12 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2021
Abstract
This study examined the possibility of using various types of waste paper—used newsprint (NP), used lightweight coated paper (LWC), used office paper (OP), and used corrugated cardboard (CC)—for the removal of anionic dyes, Acid Red 18 (AR18) and Acid Yellow 23 (AY23), and [...] Read more.
This study examined the possibility of using various types of waste paper—used newsprint (NP), used lightweight coated paper (LWC), used office paper (OP), and used corrugated cardboard (CC)—for the removal of anionic dyes, Acid Red 18 (AR18) and Acid Yellow 23 (AY23), and cationic dyes, Basic Violet 10 (BV10) and Basic Red 46 (BR46), from aqueous solutions. The scope of this research included the characterization of sorbents (FTIR, SEM, BET surface area, porosity, pHPZC, effectiveness of water coloration), determination of pH effect on the effectiveness of dye sorption, sorption kinetics (pseudo-first-order model, second-order model, intraparticular diffusion model), and the maximum sorption capacity (Langmuir models and Freundlich model) of the tested sorbents. The use of waste paper materials as sorbents was found to not pose any severe risk of aquatic environment contamination. AR18, AY23, and BV10 sorption intensities were the highest at pH 2, and that of RB46 at pH 6. The waste paper sorbents proved particularly effective in removing cationic dyes, like in the case of, e.g., NP, which had a sorption capacity that reached 38.87 mg/g and 90.82 mg/g towards BV10 and BR46, respectively, and were comparable with that of selected activated carbons (literature data). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Innovative Adsorbents)
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