AUTHOR(S): 

Rui Novais, Andreia Ribeiro, Paula Seabra, Luís Tarelho, João Labrincha

TITLE

Novel Biomass Fly Ash-Based Geopolymers for Environmental Applications

KEYWORDS

Biomass fly ash, geopolymer, lead adsorption

ABSTRACT

Geopolymers are widely known as a promising and environmental friendlier alternative to Portland cement and for that reason numerous investigations have been focused on the development of geopolymers, most of them aiming to reach high mechanical properties for potential structural applications. However, these materials show a variety of other interesting properties, suggesting their use in innovative applications where their performance ability outperforms other common materials. Environmental applications ranging from thermal insulating, pH buffering and wastewater treatment are envisioned. In this study the feasibility of using biomass fly ash-based geopolymers as lead adsorbents was evaluated. The influence of heavy metal concentration in aqueous solutions, their pH, the adsorbent amount, and contact time on the lead removal efficiency by the geopolymers was investigated. Results show a lead uptake up to 35 mg/g which demonstrates the potential of these novel materials as lead adsorbents.

Cite this paper

Rui Novais, Andreia Ribeiro, Paula Seabra, Luís Tarelho, João Labrincha. (2016) Novel Biomass Fly Ash-Based Geopolymers for Environmental Applications. Renewable Energy Sources, 1, 20-25