Physicochemical characterization of maize tassel as an adsorbent. I. Surface texture, microstructure, and thermal stability
Zvinowanda, Caliphs M. Okonkwo, Jonathan O. Agyei, Nana M. Shabalala, Pride N.
Zvinowanda, Caliphs M.
Okonkwo, Jonathan O.
Agyei, Nana M.
Shabalala, Pride N.
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Abstract
In this study, various physicochemical parameters were evaluated for maize tassel, a novel adsorbent. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) isotherm was used to experimentally model N2-adsorption data (up to a relative pressure of 0.30); the results indicated that the powdered material was mesoporous with a BET specific surface area, total volume (up to a relative pressure of 0.98), and average pore width (4V/A by BET) of 2.52 m2/g, 0.0045 cm3/g, and 7.2 nm, respectively, for the 150–300-lm fraction. Laser diffraction pattern analysis yielded particle size distributions for the 45–50-, 50–150-, and 150–300-lm fractions. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy revealed a microstructure showing predominantly flattish, rodlike particles. The material exhibited stability to thermal decomposition up to about 230C, as evidenced by the results obtained from simultaneous thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis and differential scanning calorimetry.
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Date
2008-08-09
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Wiley InterScience
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Keywords
Adsorption, Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Electron microscopy, Microstructure, Particle size distribution