Zn-doped aerogel for Ni2+ adsorption (Zn-A-Ni) and reuse of Zn-A-Ni to create Zn, Ni-co-doped carbon aerogel for applications in adsorption and energy storage

• Published in: Journal of industrial and engineering chemistry (Seoul, Korea) Korea), 2025-01, Vol.141, p.489-500
• Main Authors: Huu Hieu, Nguyen, Minh Tu, Phan, Hoang Kim Duyen, Nguyen, Vu Lam, Cao, Ngoc Chau Vy, Dang, Dang Khoa, Ta, Truong Son, Nguyen, Nguyen Dai Viet, Vo, Trong Liem Chau, Pham
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Absorption; Aerogel; Biomass; Carbon aerogel; Energy storage
• ISSN: 1226-086X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2024.07.010

[Display omitted] In order to solve the problem of heavy metal pollution, in this study, Zn-doped aerogel (Zn-A) was used as a material to remove Ni2+ from wastewater. Zn-A was synthesized from sodium alginate and nipa palm shell-derived cellulose via the sol–gel method combined with freeze-drying. Zn-A has the ability to adsorb Ni2+ up to 194.2 mg/g (Zn-A-Ni). After adsorbing Ni2+, Zn-A-Ni was pyrolyzed to form Zn, Ni-co-doped carbon aerogel (Zn-CA-Ni), which has high potential for manufacturing electrodes in supercapacitors (specific capacitance reaches 124.0F/g) and crystal violet treatment (adsorption capacity reaches 38.7 mg/g). Furthermore, Zn-A and Zn-CA-Ni were characterized through modern methods: Scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and Nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm. The ability to adsorb Ni2+ of Zn-A and adsorb crystal violet of Zn-CA-Ni was determined through ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy measurement. In addition, the electrochemical properties of Zn-CA-Ni were also analyzed through cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.