Silicates as Binders in the Preparation of Adsorbent Materials

Abstract

The use of binders in the preparation of materials for a wide range of applications is a well-known practice. In this work, we explore the use of silicates as binders to aggregate carbon materials for applications as adsorbents, Figure 1. A set of binders of the family of silicates, among them sodium silicate and some commercial silicates (LUDOX® AS-40, Ludox® AM and Ludox® TMA), were used in the agglomeration of a commercial adsorbent (Activated Carbon-AC) by direct spray dispersion and a rotary technique. The best agglomeration conditions obtained with AC were replicated with a non-commercial carbon adsorbent of a lignocellulosic nature prepared in our laboratory. Selected samples were also submitted to thermal treatment (in a non-controlled atmosphere and inert atmosphere), and physical activation with carbon dioxide (CO2) aimed to increase grain stability and improve the adsorptive properties of the samples, namely their surface chemistry and porosity.