Browsing by Author "Noorimotlagh, Zahra"
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Adsorption of diclofenac on mesoporous activated carbons: physical and chemical activation, modeling with genetic programming and molecular dynamic simulationPublication . Mirzaee, Seyyed Abbas; Bayati, Behruz; Valizadeh, Mohammad Reza; Gomes, Helder; Noorimotlagh, ZahraThis work aims at the preparation of AC from chemical activation (H3PO4, KOH, and HCl)and physical activation (thermal treatment under N2atmosphere at 500 and 700◦C) of Astra-galus Mongholicus (AM) (a low-cost bio-adsorbent and agro-industrial waste), used as carbonprecursor. The obtained materials were further applied in the adsorption of diclofenac(DCF) from water/wastewater. The physicochemical properties of the as-prepared ACs andcommercial activated carbons (CAC) were evaluated by SEM, XRD, FT-IR, and BET analyses,revealing the high surface area and mesoporous proportion of AC when compared to CAC. Adsorption results showed that the efficiency of AC-700◦C (774 m2g−1) for DCF removal(92.29%) was greater than that of AC-500◦C (648 m2g−1, 83.5%), AC-H3PO4(596 m2g−1, 80.8%),AC-KOH (450 m2g−1, 59.3%), AC-HCl (156 m2g−1, 29.8%) and CAC (455 m2g−1, 67.8%). The opti-mization of effective parameters in adsorption was examined at a laboratory-scale using theselected AC-700◦C. The Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo-second-order model fitted wellthe experimental data. The regeneration efficiency was maintained at 96% (DI-water) and97% (heating) after three cycles. Besides, genetic programming (GP) and molecular dynam-ics (MD) simulations were applied to predict the adsorption behavior of DCF from aqueousphase as well as in the ACs structure. It was found that the adsorption mechanisms involvedwere electrostatic interaction, cation–pi interaction, and pi–pi electron interaction.
- Wastewater purification using advanced functionalized nanoparticlesPublication . Noorimotlagh, Zahra; Silva, Adriano S.; Díaz de Tuesta, Jose Luis; Mirzaee, Seyyed Abbas; Martínez, Susana Silva; Gomes, HelderEnvironmental pollution is rapidly increasing due to population growth, industrialization, urbanization, etc. Anthropogenic activities have increased pollution in all sections of the environment (i.e., soil, air, water, and wastewater). There is great importance attached to resolving this complicated situation, which could effectively reduce the negative impacts of anthropogenic activities on the environment. Nanotechnology, especially functionalized nanoparticles (FNPs), is emerging as an effective solution to environmental pollution at the global scale. The extraordinary chemical and physical properties of materials at the nanometer scale enable new and innovative applications in the environmental sector. Although manufactured metal-based NPs are being produced, concern about their toxicity is increasing. To resolve the toxicity of NPs, functionalization of the materials appears to be a possible solution. The functionalization of NPs, as well as the metal core, can be varied according to the problem being targeted. This chapter discusses detailed information about the fabrication methods of FNPs used for environmental purification, especially wastewater treatment. Their scope in the environment, which includes cleaning up existing pollution, is also discussed. A critical evaluation of the challenges and future needs for a safe environment are also explored.