The effect of demineralisation on characteristics and adsorption behaviour of activated carbons prepared from swine manure

Activated carbons (ACs) from swine manure (SM), i.e. preliminary de-watered SM cake (Mc) and solid digestate (Md) were prepared by pyrolysis and water vapour activation. Demineralisation on obtained chars after carbonization was applied as well. Additionally, the adsorption capacity of demineralised ACs towards chromium in aqueous solutions was investigated and compared to non-demineralised ACs. Demineralisation caused a decrease in mineral matter content with more than 50% and affected characteristics and adsorption behaviour of these ACs. As a result, ACs with better developed porous texture were produced. Prepared ACs with reduced ash content demonstrated higher adsorption capacity toward Cr compared to non-demineralised ACs. The adsorption kinetics were investigated by applying two kinetic models, i.e. Lagergren pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order. The pseudo-second order kinetic model provided a better fit. Better fits are obtained for the Langmuir isotherm model and therefore a monolayer coverage chemisorption of the Cr(VI) on the ACs surface is suggested.