| dc.description.abstract | Capacitive deionization (CDI) is an emerging desalination technology based on the principle of electrical double layer capacitors. When the voltage is applied to the surface of the electrodes, electrodes become oppositely charged and ions are adsorbed onto the electrode surfaces under the presence of the electric field, thus producing a purified stream of water. Once the electrodes are saturated with ions, adsorbed ions can desorb from the surface of the electrodes when the applied voltage is reversed or removed. Electrode materials play an important role in CDI performance. To date, the porous carbon derived from biomass shows a competitive advantage in CDI practical applications because of their low production costs, availability, good electrical conductivity, large specific surface areas, and environmental compatibility. In this study a high surface area porous carbons were synthesized from chicken feathers through pyrolysis and KOH activation; the KOH: CF ratio (R) and activation temperature (Ta) were variable parameters. The carbon samples synthesized were characterized by SEM, FTIR spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms at 77 K and desalination experiments were performed by using potentiostat/galvanostat. All samples except the untreated carbon exhibited type IV isotherms demonstrating the existence of mesopores. The lead (Pb2+) removal test was performed with a CDI cell containing the fabricated carbon electrode and 100 mgL-1 Pb (NO3)2 solution; the sample prepared with the ratio R of 1:1 and Ta = 800 K exhibited higher Pb2+ removal efficiency of 81% and electro sorption capacity of 4.1 mgg-1 at the electrode potential 1.2 V and flow rate 5 mLmin-1. Therefore, chicken feather derived carbon (CF) is considered a promising CDI electrode material for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater. | en_US |
