The Open Process Chemistry Journal

2009, 2 : 12-19
Published online 2009 April 9. DOI: 10.2174/1875180601002010012
Publisher ID: TOCPCJ-2-12

RESEARCH ARTICLE
 Characteristics on Carbonization and Steam Activation of Sewage Sludge

Dong Hyun Jung and Young Nam Chun, *
BK 21 Team for Hydrogen Production· Department of Environmental Engineering, Chosun University, 375, Dong-gu, Seosuk-dong, Gwangju, Republic of Korea

* Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Environmental Engineering, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Tel./Fax: +82-62-230-7156; E-mail: ynchun@chosun.ac.kr

ABSTRACT

A number of methods are presented to treat sewage sludge. However, the sludge treated in each treatment process has a problem of heavy metal elution. Currently, the treatment of sewage sludge through carbonization is highlighted to solve such problem. This study carried out research of optimum carbonization and activation condition and analysis of adsorption characteristics in order to treat sewage sludge through carbonization and steam activation and to cycle it as activated carbon. The optimum carbonization and activation conditions were achieved through variable studies and based on iodine adsorptivity. In addition, an analysis was performed with nitrogen adsorption and a SEM to confirm adsorption characteristics and pore development. The results showed that the adsorption capacity of activated derived from sewage (hereinafter referred to as “activated carbon”) is improved and porosity is formed through carbonization and steam activation. In particular, micropore is mostly developed by steam activation.

Key Words:

Sewage sludge, Adsorption characteristic, Carbonization, Steam activation, Activated carbon.