Use of Composite Adsorbent Prepared from Oily Sludge and Lignocellulosic Waste for Removal of Furfural from Aqueous Solutions: Comparison of Carbonization and Activation Methods

The increase of wastes and their management are considered as an important environmental and economic problem. In this study, the oily sludge of oil refinery and lignocellulosic waste from elm tree were used as raw materials for preparation of composite adsorbents. Composite adsorbents were prepared using carbonization at 500 ˚C and chemical activation by zinc chloride at 800 ˚C and their efficiency for removal of furfural from aqueous solutions were investigated. Results of furfural adsorption, BET, SEM and FTIR analysis showed that the activated composite, due to formation of micropore and mesopore structures, has  a more higher specific surface area and efficiency, as compared with carbonized composite. The BET of carbonized and activated composite was 3.53 and 691.7 m 2/g and the percentage of furfural adsorption was 10.3 and 96.7%, respectively. Based on the obtained results, the activated composite adsorbent can be used as an alternative of commercial activated carbon for wastewater treatment.