Equilibrium, kinetics and breakthrough curves of acetaminophen adsorption onto activated carbons from microwave-assisted FeCl3-activation of lignin

Abstract Activated carbons have been prepared by chemical activation of lignin with FeCl3 using microwave (MW) heating. The use of MW significantly reduced the activation time compared to conventional heating. Microwave power, impregnation ratio (R: mass ratio of FeCl3 to lignin precursor) and MW holding time have been studied as variables affecting the development of porous texture. The optimum conditions were found at 800 W, R = 5 and 30 min MW heating time. Under those conditions an essentially microporous activated carbon was obtained, with BET surface area higher than 1150 m2·g−1 and acidic surface, whose pH at the point of zero charge was 4.2. This activated carbon was tested for the adsorption of acetaminophen, as model emerging contaminant, from aqueous phase. The adsorption isotherms, obtained at 20, 40 and 60 °C, fitted well to Redlich–Peterson model. The maximum acetaminophen adsorption reached about 300 mg·g−1 at 60 °C. Values of 35.5 kJ·mol−1 and 238.3 J·mol−1·K−1 were obtained for the enthalpy and entropy of adsorption, respectively. Those positive values are indicative of an endothermic process and increased randomness at the solid/solution interface upon adsorption. The adsorption kinetics was better described by pseudo-second order driving force model. Breakthrough curves were also obtained at different adsorption temperatures, flow rates and acetaminophen inlet concentrations. They fitted well to a logistic-type equation representative of the Bohart-Adams, Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models. Adsorbent regeneration with hot water (80 °C) revealed easy and complete desorption thus providing a promising view of the potential application of this activated carbon.