Ridho, Moh Zeinur, et al. Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering 11 (2025): 101140.
This case study examined the application of disodium cocoyl glutamate (DCG), a natural anionic surfactant, in modifying activated carbon (CA) derived from cigarette butt waste to improve its adsorption capacity for lead(II) ions. The study highlights how DCG enhances the functionality of CA, addressing both environmental waste reduction and heavy metal contamination.
Methodology: Activated carbon was synthesized from cigarette filters through flash carbonization at 500°C for 15 minutes, followed by chemical activation using a 65% KOH solution. The resulting CA was modified with DCG by stirring in DCG solutions at concentrations of 0.1%, 1%, and 10% (v/v) for 5 hours at room temperature. The modified adsorbents (CA-DCG) were filtered, washed, and dried before characterization and adsorption testing.
Key Results:
· Infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis confirmed that DCG introduction increased carbonyl group content on the CA surface. DCG modification enhanced the amorphous nature and slightly porous structure of the adsorbent.
· Lead(II) ion removal efficiency dramatically improved from 25% (unmodified CA) to 99% (DCG-modified CA). The 0.1% DCG-modified CA exhibited the highest adsorption capacity, reaching 9.89 mg/g.
· The anionic nature of DCG significantly strengthened the affinity between the adsorbent and lead(II) ions.
Weber, Natalja, et al. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 18.3 (2019): 821-826.