#adsorbent

Reusable moss-based adsorbent can help clean up oil spills

Hidden within sphagnum moss, commonly known as peat moss, is an adsorbent material that can help us combat oil spills. A study by researchers from China presents a new bio-based oil adsorbent derived from sphagnum moss that can selectively soak up oil. Chemically modifying the peat moss resulted in a potential oil sponge with the ability to maintain over 90% of initial adsorption capacity even after 10 cycles of usage, according to the findings published in Scientific Reports. Every year, hundreds of tons of oil get spilled into water bodies as a result of oil drilling gone wrong, pipeline leaks and big oil transportation ships sinking. Such oil and chemical spills can have devastating effects on aquatic wildlife, poisoning habitats and disrupting the food chain, among other serious consequences. Humans aren't immune to the impact of these oil spills either, as exposure can affect the lungs, heart and the immune system.

Researchers at the University of Granada, Spain, the Centre for Electrochemical Research and Technological Development and the Centre of Engineering and Industrial Development, Mexico, have developed a process to clean contaminated water using a new adsorbent material made from fruit peels.

Credit: University of Grenada

38.2 million tonnes of fruit peels are produced annually worldwide with limited use after the consumption of the fruit. The team used an Instant Controlled Pressure Drop treatment to modify the structure of the peels to give them adsorbent properties. The result is a material that can selectively remove metals and organic pollutants present in water.  

Novel silica-based adsorbent helps selective separation of strontium

Prof. Huang Qunying's team from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with Prof. Ning Shunyan's team from South China University, developed a novel silica-based adsorbent for the highly selective separation of strontium (Sr) from an acidic medium. The results were published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials. Radioactive strontium, known as 90Sr, is of concern because it's highly toxic both radiologically and biochemically. When high-level liquid waste (HLLW) is processed through vitrification, the heat released from the decay of 90Sr can cause problems. This heat can destabilize the material in which it's contained, potentially leading to the release of other radioactive substances. However, 90Sr can also be reused as a special radioactive or heat source, which can help reduce the amount of waste to be disposed of with lower overall costs.

Activated Alumina vs. Silica Gel: Which Desiccant Is Right for You?

Get expert advice on choosing activated alumina for PSA nitrogen generator beds. Focus on key factors-300 m²/g surface area, ≥0.40 ml/g pore volume, strong crush strength-ensuring peak nitrogen purity, efficient gas flow, and system durability. Ideal for technical buyers and process engineers.

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Learn why activated alumina’s surface area and pore volume are keys to achieving ≥99.9% nitrogen purity in PSA nitrogen generators. This in-depth guide explains how alumina selects oxygen, supports stable gas flow, and maintains high purity levels, making it essential for food, pharma, and electronics industries.

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High-quality activated alumina significantly reduces pressure drop in PSA nitrogen generators—lowering compressor load and energy usage. Discover how optimized alumina specifications support efficient regeneration cycles, enhancing nitrogen purity and delivering better ROI. Perfect insights for engineers and procurement teams.

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