Adsorption of 1,2-Dichlorobenzene on a Carbon Nanomaterial Prepared by Decomposition of 1,2-Dichloroethane on Nickel Alloys

Concept of complex processing of chlorinated hydrocarbons, involving catalytic decomposition of 1,2-dichloroethane on Ni–M alloys to obtain a carbon nanomaterial (CNM) showing high performance in adsorption treatment of water to remove 1,2-dichlorobenzene, was presented. A series of finely dispersed Ni–Pd (5 wt %) and Ni–Mo (5 wt %) alloys were synthesized and studied. The samples were studied as catalysts in decomposition of C2H4Cl2 vapor at 600°С to obtain a carbon nanomaterial. The addition of 5 wt % second metal leads to an increase in the yield of the carbon nanomaterial from 20.1 to 25.4 (Ni–Pd) and 31.8 gCNM g–1cat (Ni–Mo). Analysis by electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy shows that the carbon product consists of nanofibers of segmented structure, constituted by a poorly ordered graphite phase. The specific surface area of the carbon nanomaterial is 230–280 m2 g–1. The CNM/Ni, CNM/Ni–Pd, and CNM/Ni–Mo samples obtained were tested as adsorbents for water treatment to remove dissolved 1,2-dichlorobenzene (с0 = 73–880 μM) in the batch mode. The 1,2-dichlorobenzene adsorption isotherms were constructed. The degree of filling of the carbon nanomaterial surface with the adsorbate at equilibrium is 43–47%, exceeding by a factor of more than 2 the utilization efficiency of AG-2000 activated carbon (SBET = 1230 m2 g–1).