Preparation of Ganoderma Lucidum Bran-Based Biological Activated Carbon for Dual-Functional Adsorption and Detection of Copper Ions

Abstract

In this paper, Ganoderma lucidum bran was explored as the precursor to fabricate biomass activated carbon. When potassium hydroxide was selected as an activator (1:6, mass ratio of AC-12 to potassium hydroxide), and the activation condition was 700 °C at 5 h, the highest specific surface area reached 3147 m2 g−1. Carbon dots were prepared with citric acid monohydrate and thiourea as precursors and then loaded onto the surface of activated carbon by a simple and green method. Activated carbon for dual-functional had a high adsorption capacity. Additionally, based on its unique optical properties, the fluorescence response for detecting copper ion was established. The fluorescence intensity of the materials decreased linearly with the increase of copper ion concentration, in the range of 10–50 nmol L−1. The research opened up a new way for applying biomass activated carbon in the field of adsorption and detection. Highlights: (1) Carbon dots were loaded on the surface of activated carbon; (2) the simultaneous adsorption and detection were realized; (3) it provides a way for the preparation of dual-functional materials.

Chemical modifications of activated carbons prepared from different Ganoderma residues, their adsorption, and catalytic application

“…The development of ACs from different parts of Ganoderma has been reported in the literature. Several activators applying a range of activation parameters were used to activate chars prepared from the Ganoderma lucidum bran residue [6]. These activators were potassium hydroxide (KOH), potassium permanganate, zinc chloride, and nitric acid.…”