Adsorption of Phenol Using Activated Carbon Derived from Polystyrene, Paper and Wood Mixtures

Abstract

The removal of phenol from wastewater is essential due to its toxicity, persistence, and environmental risks. Among various treatment methods, activated carbon (AC) adsorption is widely preferred for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This study examines the production of AC from polystyrene (PS), paper, and wood ‒ common components of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) ‒ and evaluates their phenol adsorption capacity. The aim was to assess potential interactions during thermal treatment and their impact on adsorption performance. The results showed that for most mixtures, co-carbonization reduced adsorption capacity compared to separately activated components, indicating negative thermal interactions. However, a positive adsorption-related synergy was observed for the PS/wood mixture. BET surface area analysis revealed that paper-containing mixtures exhibited significantly lower surface areas than expected, likely due to the inhibition of gasification reactions, resulting in reduced adsorption performance. This study highlights how RDF components influence AC properties and provides insights for optimizing waste-derived adsorbents in wastewater treatment.