In an adsorption process, spontaneous accumulation of molecules takes place at the surface of solids as compared to the bulk phase. Adsorption is used for the recovery of undesirable components from a liquid mixture by establishing van der Waals bonds between the solid surface and the attracted components. Nowadays, adsorption is recognized as one of the major significant separation processes amid the physical, biological, and chemical processes. Activated carbon adsorption has been widely used for the purification of water and wastewater and for the treatment of numerous environmental problems. In this work, polyurethane (PU) foam-activated carbon composites were synthesized and characterized. The mixing of a number of well-defined ingredients produces flexible foam of alveolar structure after polymerization reactions. The prepared PU-powdered activated carbon composites were used to investigate the sorption of raw crude oil. Multiple experimental manipulations were combined to understand this behavior. The application of a design of experiments (DOE) method was used to model the adsorption kinetics.

This study investigates the incorporation of algae-based activated carbon into polyurethane foam to improve a biocomposite for gasoil sorption. The biocomposites were thoroughly analyzed using various techniques to examine the properties of both the blank foam and the algae activated carbon foam with a carbon content of 4.41 mass% and particle diameter of 500 µm. These techniques included Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and density analysis. The TGA analysis revealed that the biocomposites had an impact on the onset temperature (T_onset) of the foams. Higher concentrations of the biocomposites resulted in a decrease in T_onset from approximately 310 °C in the blank foam (PUF0) to 300 °C in the composite (PUF3B). The final residue percentage also decreased from around 20% in PUF0 to 10% in PUF3B. Density analysis showed that the apparent density of the foam increased from 0.016 g/cm³ in the blank foam to 0.020 g/cm³ in the biocomposite (PUF3B), while the real density slightly decreased from 0.092 g/cm³ to 0.076 g/cm³, indicating a reduction in overall porosity from 82.5% to 74.4%. All foams that were modified showed an increase in their ability to absorb gasoil in a PUF/gasoil/water system. The optimized biocomposite (PUF1B), with 1.14 mass% of 500 µm algae carbon, displayed the highest sorption capacity, starting at approximately 50 g/g at 1.5 h and increasing to 53 g/g over 72 h. The analysis of adsorption kinetics revealed that by utilizing adsorption isotherms, particularly the Langmuir isotherm, a more accurate fit to the data was achieved. This allowed for the prediction of the maximum gasoil adsorption capacity. This study aims to further develop, analyze, and utilize biocomposites made from algae-based activated carbon and polyurethane. These materials offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to cleaning up oil spills.

Oil leaks (or spills) into the aquatic environment are considered a natural disaster and a severe environmental problem for the entire planet. Samples of polyurethane (PU) composites were prepared with high specific surface area carbon nanotubes (CNT) to investigate crude oil sorption. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), density measurements, and mechanical compression tests were used to characterize the polyurethane-carbon PU–CNT prepared samples. The spongy composites exhibited good mechanical behavior and a contact angle of up to 119°. The oleophilic character resulted in increased hydrophobicity, a homogeneous oil distribution inside the sponge, and a sorption capacity in a water/oil mixture of 41.82 g/g. Stress-strain curves of the prepared samples showed the good mechanical properties of the sponge, which maintained its stability after more than six sorption desorption cycles. The CNT–PU composites may prove very effective in solving oil pollution problems.

Cement-based foam composites have gained attention as innovative and high-performing adsorbents for wastewater treatment due to their lightweight, porous, and structurally robust properties. This study investigates the adsorption of Eriochrome Black T dye onto biochar-modified cement foam, providing a cost-effective solution for industrial wastewater management. The integration of biochar into cement foam enhances its surface area and adsorption capabilities while maintaining structural stability and tunable porosity. The composites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to verify quality and functionality. The adsorption process adhered to the Freundlich isotherm model (R² = 0.967), indicating multilayer adsorption, with a maximum capacity of 13.33 mg/g under optimal conditions. Kinetic studies showed a pseudo-first-order fit (R² = 0.981), while thermodynamic analysis revealed a spontaneous and endothermic process, with ΔH° = 28.84 KJ/mol and ΔG° values ranging from −0.457 to −2.36 KJ/mol. These results demonstrate the composite’s exceptional efficiency and scalability, making it a sustainable and practical option for removing persistent dyes such as Eriochrome Black T. This work contributes significantly to the advancement of environmentally friendly wastewater treatment technologies.

Nossa empresa trabalha com publicações de artigos acadêmicos em revistas científicas especializadas e indexadas. Assim como artigos científicos e anais de congressos, encontros ou simpósios acadêmicos, ou textos independentes, todos em forma de livros eletrônicos e impressos.Também fazemos seleções de artigos referências em algumas áreas para organização de livros temáticos. Ainda, nossa empresa trabalha com traduções científicas inglês-português e português-inglês, além de traduções juramentadas.

Nossa empresa trabalha com publicações de artigos acadêmicos em revistas científicas especializadas e indexadas. Assim como artigos científicos e anais de congressos, encontros ou simpósios acadêmicos, ou textos independentes, todos em forma de livros eletrônicos e impressos.Também fazemos seleções de artigos referências em algumas áreas para organização de livros temáticos. Ainda, nossa empresa trabalha com traduções científicas inglês-português e português-inglês, além de traduções juramentadas.