Characterization of adsorbent materials from paper waste generated in paper making process

The adsorbent materials were prepared by mixing PS and RPF using physical activation method. The starting PS consists of inorganic components of SiO₂, CaO and Al₂O₃ and RPF has mainly high amount of carbon. The commercial activated carbon was used as a reference material to compare with the prepared samples. The prepared samples show the crystalline phases of calcite (CaCO₃) anorthite ((Ca, Na) (Al, Si)₂Si₂O₈) and gehlenite (Ca₂Al₂SiO₇) by heating above 900degC. The sample calcined at 700degC has the highest specific surface area (49 m²/g) but was quite low compared with the reference material (1122 m²/g). The ability of the prepared samples to remove toxic ions e.g. nickel (Ni²⁺) and methylene blue from aqueous solution was investigated by a batch method. The samples (showing amorphous phase) prepared at 700degC showed higher uptake ability for Ni²⁺ (3.55mmol/g) ions than that of the commercial activated carbon. The main mechanisms of Ni²⁺ uptake were the ion substitution. In methylene blue adsorption experiment, the adsorption capacities of obtained samples were lower (0.58 mmol/g) than the commercial activated carbon (1.03 mmol/g). These prepared materials are concluded to be a candidate for a cost effective adsorbent.