Adsorption of bisphenol A by granular activated carbon prepared with different silicates as binders

Nowadays, the emerging pollutants, such as bisphenol A, are object of increased attention by the citizens and the sectors of industry and academia, as a result of the problems they cause, particularly at the health level. In this study, a set of granulated samples was prepared from a commercial powdered activated carbon, aiming its application in the removal of bisphenol A via the adsorption process. The granulation allowed to obtain granulated adsorbents with higher adsorption capacity (37.0–54.8 mg/g) than the original activated carbon (32.2 mg/g). The samples were structurally and chemically characterised using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption at 77 K, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, point of zero charge and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy techniques. The bisphenol A adsorption tests are carried out in kinetic and equilibrium modes, involving variables such as mass, pH and temperature. The results show that, using different commercial silica binders, it was possible to prepare mechanical, dimensional, chemical and structurally stable granulated adsorbents with a good capacity for bisphenol A adsorption, widening the potential and range of application for these materials.