Surface and Structural Characterization of Buckwheat Husk-Derived Activated Carbons: Correlation of SEM, Elemental, FTIR, Raman, and Porous Properties with Electrokinetic Behavior
Seimukhanova L. Zhantikeyev U. Sapargali I. Kunarbekova M. Kudaibergenov K. Skwarek E. Azat S.
February 2026Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
2026#27Issue 4
This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of buckwheat husk-derived activated carbon, chemically activated with potassium hydroxide (KOH) and subsequently modified with urea and Prussian Blue (PB). The obtained carbons were evaluated in terms of particle-size distribution, surface morphology, structural features, and electrokinetic properties using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and electrophoresis, as well as N2 adsorption–desorption (BET surface area and porosity analysis). The results confirmed that both pyrolysis conditions and the type of modifier significantly affect the physicochemical properties of the activated carbon and its behavior in electrolyte solutions. Colloidal stability and particle size were strongly dependent on pH and the type of anions present in solution, with sodium nitrate (NaNO3) systems showing higher stability than sodium chloride (NaCl). Modification with KOH and urea imparted a more basic surface character, whereas PB introduced more acidic properties. All samples exhibited predominantly negative surface charges and mesoporous structures, which are favorable for adsorption processes and enhance affinity for heavy-metal cations. Among the tested materials, BH-KOH-Fe (Fe-modified KOH-activated carbon) showed the most favorable performance for the targeted application, while BH-KOH (KOH-activated buckwheat husk-derived carbon) exhibited high surface area and good colloidal stability. The prepared materials show promising applicability for water purification, including the removal of organic pollutants and radionuclides (e.g., 137Cs and 90Sr), as well as metal cations (K+, Na+, and Li+).
activated carbon , buckwheat husk , electrical double layer , KOH activation , Prussian Blue , urea modification , water purification
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Laboratory of Engineering Profile, Satbayev University, 22a Satbayev Str., Almaty, 050026, Kazakhstan
Department of Radiochemistry and Environmental, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Maria Curie-Sklodowska Sq. 3, Lublin, 20 031, Poland
Laboratory of Engineering Profile
Department of Radiochemistry and Environmental
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Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026