Heavy Metal Removal and Leaching from Pervious Concrete Filter: Influence of Operating Water Head and Reduced Graphene Oxide Addition

Processable aqueous dispersions of graphene nanosheets

Abstract: Graphene sheets offer extraordinary electronic, thermal and mechanical properties and are expected to find a variety of applications. A prerequisite for exploiting most proposed applications for graphene is the availability of processable graphene sheets in large quantities. The direct dispersion of hydrophobic graphite or graphene sheets in water without the assistance of dispersing agents has generally been considered to be an insurmountable challenge. Here we report that chemically converted graphene sheets obtained from graphite can readily form stable aqueous colloids through electrostatic stabilization. This discovery has enabled us to develop a facile approach to large-scale production of aqueous graphene dispersions without the need for polymeric or surfactant stabilizers. Our findings make it possible to process graphene materials using low-cost solution processing techniques, opening up enormous opportunities to use this unique carbon nanostructure for many technological applications.

Nanotechnology in concrete – A review

Abstract: This paper reviews the state of the field of nanotechnology in concrete. Definitions of nanotechnology, including nanoscience and nano-engineering in concrete, are provided. The impact of recent advances in instrumentation and computational materials science and their use in concrete research is discussed. Recent progress in nano-engineering and nanomodification of cement-based materials is presented.

Adsorption of divalent metal ions from aqueous solutions using graphene oxide

Abstract: The adsorptive properties of graphene oxide (GO) towards divalent metal ions (copper, zinc, cadmium and lead) were investigated GO prepared through the oxidation of graphite using potassium dichromate was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) The results of batch experiments and measurements by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F-AAS) indicate that maximum adsorption can be achieved in broad pH ranges: 3–7 for Cu(II), 5–8 for Zn(II), 4–8 for Cd(II), 3–7 for Pb(II) The maximum adsorption capacities of Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) on GO at pH = 5 are 294, 345, 530, 1119 mg g−1, respectively The competitive adsorption experiments showed the affinity in the order of Pb(II) > Cu(II) ≫ Cd(II) > Zn(II) Adsorption isotherms and kinetic studies suggest that sorption of metal ions on GO nanosheets is monolayer coverage and adsorption is controlled by chemical adsorption involving the strong surface complexation of metal ions with the oxygen-containing groups on the surface of GO Chemisorption was confirmed by XPS (binding energy and shape of O1s and C1s peaks) of GO with adsorbed metal ions The adsorption experiments show that the dispersibility of GO in water changes remarkably after complexation of metal ions After adsorption, the tendency to agglomerate and precipitate is observed Excellent dispersibility of GO and strong tendency of GO–Me(II) to precipitate open the path to removal of heavy metals from water solution Potential application of GO in analytical chemistry as a solid sorbent for preconcentration of trace elements and in heavy metal ion pollution cleanup results from its maximum adsorption capacities that are much higher than those of any of the currently reported sorbents

Industrial wastes as low-cost potential adsorbents for the treatment of wastewater laden with heavy metals.

Abstract: Industrial wastes, such as, fly ash, blast furnace slag and sludge, black liquor lignin, red mud, and waste slurry, etc. are currently being investigated as potential adsorbents for the removal of the heavy metals from wastewater. It was found that modified industrial wastes showed higher adsorption capacity. The application of low-cost adsorbents obtained from the industrial wastes as a replacement for costly conventional methods of removing heavy metal ions from wastewater has been reviewed. The adsorption mechanism, influencing factors, favorable conditions, and competitive ions etc. on the adsorption of heavy metals have also been discussed in this article. From the review, it is evident that certain industrial waste materials have demonstrated high removal capacities for the heavy metals laden with wastewater. However, it is to be mentioned that adsorption capacities of the adsorbents vary depending on the characteristics of the adsorbents, the extent of chemical modification and the concentration of adsorbates. There are also few issues and drawbacks on the utilization of industrial wastes as low-cost adsorbents that have been addressed. In order to find out the practical utilization of industrial waste as low-cost adsorbents on the commercial scale, more research should be conducted in this direction.