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Modifying Activated Carbon for Adsorption of CO2 And Water Pollutants

Posted: Sat Jun 26, 2021 12:17 am
by wesleychen
I am a high school student that got really interested in adsorption and want to do it for a project. I am mainly interested in increasing selective adsorption of CO2 or for heavy metals (arsenic, lead, etc) from water. I have a few questions regarding certain research papers and also how to get a research mentor.

https://doi.org/10.1021/jp205499e
Research states that lithium nitride (Li3N) and carbon dioxide (CO2) reacts to form carbon nitride and lithium cyanide.

Question (CO2):
Based on the research from above, is it possible (is it a dumb idea) to modify or impregnate activated carbon with lithium nitride (Li3N) to selectively adsorb CO2?
Any other ways to modify activated carbon for adsorption (chemisorption) of CO2?

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10 ... 7420919234
Research states that oxidizing activated carbon with nitric acid (HNO3) increases adsorption of metallic ions in water

https://www.intechopen.com/books/advanc ... -treatment
Research states that Ferrate (VI) like K2FeO4 or Na2FeO4 are also strong oxidizers and can be used in water treatment.

Question (water pollutants):
Similar to nitric acid, is it possible to oxidize activated carbon with these Ferrates (VI)? Would that help increase adsorption of certain water pollutants that normal activated carbon wouldn't be able to easily adsorb?
Any opinion on using layers of different adsorbent materials like combining zeolites and activated carbon to adsorb wider range of stuff?

Question (research mentors):
I am a rising junior in high school and I have lots of dumb ideas. Is it possible for me to get a research mentor? I still have a bunch of other questions about surface chemistry, adsorption, regeneration of activated carbon, how temp and ph levels and pore size affects adsorption so I want/need a research mentor.

Re: Modifying Activated Carbon for Adsorption of CO2 And Water Pollutants

Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2021 11:20 am
by koneill18
Hello!

These sound like some really interesting ideas! My first suggestion would be to post your questions on the Physical Sciences board. The chemistry experts over there will probably be able to help you better than the Biology experts on this forum!

In regards to your question about finding a research mentor, here's a link to a Science Buddies article that explains how to find a mentor. You are also more than welcome to continue posting your questions on the Ask an Expert forums, and the experts here will help you to the best of their ability!
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... tem-mentor

I hope this helps!

Re: Modifying Activated Carbon for Adsorption of CO2 And Water Pollutants

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2021 1:19 pm
by MadelineB
Hello! My apologies for being slow to notice the need to cross-post this with the Grades 9-12 Physical Sciences experts!
Thanks!