RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article
T1 Enhanced copper-adsorption removal from water by easy-handling silica aerogel-polyurethane foam composites
A1 Merillas Valero, Beatriz
A1 Rodríguez Pérez, Miguel Ángel
A1 Durães, Luisa
K1 Silica aerogels
K1 Polyurethane foam
K1 Composites
K1 Copper
K1 Adsorption
K1 Isotherms
AB Safe water supply has become one of the main concerns of our society due to the intense industrial activities generating hazardous waste. Among the water pollutants, copper ions are known for potential diseases caused by accumulation of this metal. Therefore, different adsorbents have been produced for this purpose, highlighting aerogels for their effective adsorption owing to their high surface areas and porosity. Herein the synthesis of a novel silica aerogel-based composite for copper removal is described. It was produced by the sol–gel technique, synthesizing the silica aerogel into a reticulated-polyurethane foam that acted as a macrocellular skeleton, preventing a strong shrinkage of the aerogel during the ambient pressure drying. The produced aerogels and composites were characterized in terms of density, textural properties, hydrophobicity, and copper removal efficiency. Isotherm studies revealed a significantly improved adsorption capacity in comparison with the monolithic aerogel, reaching a maximum value of 46.13 mg g−1. The predominant adsorption mechanism was Langmuir- Freundlich adsorption. The adsorption kinetics were also evaluated by different models, as well as the ability to function as filtration medium. Therefore, this work provides a promising strategy for copper uptake avoiding tedious filtration steps to separate the adsorbent, thus reducing time and costs.
PB Elsevier
SN 1226-086X
YR 2024
FD 2024
LK https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/73922
UL https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/73922
LA eng
NO Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry [in press]
NO Producción Científica
DS UVaDOC
RD 22-ene-2025