pH-switchable kraft lignin/silica gel sorbent for tunable removal of organic and inorganic water contaminants
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The increasing threat of anthropogenic water contamination necessitates the development of fossil-free materials for water remediation. This study introduces a sustainable and scalable method for the preparation of lignin/silica gel composites, which are effective for purifying water contaminated by a broad spectrum of pollutants. The composites were synthesized by adsorbing kraft hardwood lignin onto silica gel pre-modified with a quaternary ammonium salt. The resulting organo-mineral sorbent exhibited exceptional sorption capabilities, rapid kinetics, and superior performance in removing Fe(III), Cu(II), and both cationic and anionic dyes. An advantage of the new organo-mineral material is its tunable properties, which can be adjusted based on the composition of the contaminated water system. Notably, its sorption affinity can be controlled by varying the pH of the system. For instance, the cationic pollutants were effectively removed at pH≥6.0, while shifting the pH of the system to pH≤4.6 let to selectively remove anionic species. The high adsorption efficiency for both cationic and anionic pollutants, fast kinetics, tunable sorption properties, and the use of non-toxic materials in a mild synthesis process make this composite a promising and sustainable solution for addressing crucial water quality challenges.
Language: English
Subfield: Water Science and Technology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,200
OpenAlex ID: W4412495544