Valorization of waste cigarette butts into high-performance activated carbons for water remediation
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This study presents a sustainable approach in the valorization of cigarette butt (CB) filters into high performance activated carbon (ACs) with potassium hydroxide (KOH) chemical activation. Activation parameters such as temperature, time and KOH mass ratio were evaluated and optimized using response surface methodology. It was observed that the mass ratio of KOH directly influences the specific surface area (SBET) of the AC, reaching a maximum of 2080 m2/g with a KOH:Carbon ratio of 3:1 (AC5). At morphological level, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that higher KOH and activation time increase the diameter of fibers. Regarding the chemical structure, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the preservation of oxygenated groups, while Raman spectroscopy evidenced greater disorder with higher activation time (3 h) and KOH ratio (3:1). Surface analysis indicated a heterogeneous composition with zero charge point values (pHPZC) between 4 and 8.5, reflecting acidic, neutral and basic functions. The highest adsorption for phenol occurred at pH 7 (3.35 mmol/g) for AC with KOH ratio 3:1, 2 h activation time and temperature of 600 °C (AC3), for methylene blue (MB) at pH 11 (2.33 mmol/g for AC3), and for rhodamine B (Rhd B) at pH 3 (0.98 mmol/g for AC5). Additionally, adsorption tests in real wastewater confirmed the practical applicability of the best ACs, reaching up to 4 mmol/g for phenol, 2.12 mmol/g for MB, and 0.16 mmol/g for Rhd B. This study highlights the critical role of synthesis conditions and surface properties in the development of efficient adsorbents for water remediation. © 2025
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Adsorption process, KOH activation, Organic pollutants, Waste transformation