One-step preparation of activated carbon from polyvinyl chloride-based plastic waste as an effective adsorbent for removal of organic dyes in aqueous solutions

• Published in: Nano-Structures & Nano-Objects Vol. 38; p. 101125
• Main Authors: La, Duong D., Khuat, Hoang Binh, Bui, Tien Trinh, Van Tran, Khanh, Vu, Tri Thien, Le, Thanh Huu, Kim, S. Su, Chung, Woojin, Thi, Hoai Phuong Nguyen, Nguyen, D. Duc
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-05-2024
• Subjects: Activated carbon; Adsorbent; One-step chemical activation; Organic dye removal; Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) waste; Organic dye removal; Adsorbent; Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) waste; One-step chemical activation; Activated carbon
• ISSN: 2352-507X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoso.2024.101125

Plastic trash can be converted into activated carbon, which produces a product that is both useful and profitable, whilst also providing an environmentally friendly alternative. In this study, using a simple one-step chemical activation process with KOH, we successfully synthesized high-quality activated carbon from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a common plastic. A thorough investigation was conducted into the effects of different processing parameters on the quality of the activated carbon made from PVC plastic, such as the PVC:KOH ratio, activation temperature and time. After determining the ideal parameters to optimize the iodine adsorption capacity, it was discovered that a PVC:KOH ratio of 1:2, an activation temperature of 500 °C and a 15-minute duration produced the best results. After 15 minutes of adsorption and 1 g L−1 of adsorbent, the resultant activated carbon showed remarkable adsorption effectiveness for the organic dye methylene blue (MB), with a removal percentage of almost 97% at an MB concentration of 20 ppm. Furthermore, the impact of solution pH on the efficacy of MB adsorption was investigated and it was determined that the ideal pH range for the adsorption process was between 9 and 11. The MB adsorption isotherm was studied using the Langmuir and Freundlich models in order to have a deeper understanding of the adsorption behavior. Based on the calculated maximum MB adsorption capacity of around 97.1 mg g−1, the results showed that the adsorption process adhered to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model throughout. The adsorption kinetics and reusability of the activated carbon were also investigated. These results highlight the potential of activated carbon based on PVC as a successful adsorbent for the removal of organic dyes from aqueous solutions.
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•PVC waste is successfully transformed into activated carbon via a simple process.•Activated carbon derived from PVC waste has a superior surface area and porosity.•The activated carbon exhibits excellent adsorption of organic dye.•Efficient removal of organic dye by activated carbon from PVC waste.•An effective adsorbent for environmental applications was produced.