Nutshells discarded by the food industry could help soak up metal-based
pollutants from water. Traditionally, coal has been the source of “activated”
carbon—a substance so minutely holed that its high effective surface area
lets it absorb other chemicals. Now, researchers with the US Agricultural
Research Service have developed a process that activates the carbon in cheap
waste nutshells, and renders it more efficient than expensive coal-derived
carbon. Phosphoric acid eats into the shells and increases their surface
area.
More from 91av
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending 91av articles
1
Fully autonomous drones have killed human soldiers for the first time
2
Toy universe shows that time could be a quantum illusion
3
Dinosaur-killing asteroid impact site stayed hot for millions of years
4
Understanding anorexia’s grip on the brain could unlock new therapies
5
The last-ditch plan to save coral reefs from utter destruction
6
El Niño has started and the weather could get weird
7
First working nuclear clock heralds a new era in timekeeping
8
Robots are about to overtake armed soldiers as the deciders of war
9
How to sparkle in conversation with strangers
10
What is a ‘normal’ memory slowdown, and when should I worry?
