# The Internal Recycle Reactor Enhances Porous Calcium Silicate Hydrates to Recover Phosphorus from Aqueous Solutions

Authors: Wei Guan; Shichao Tian
Journal: Journal of Chemistry
 (2017)

---

## Abstract

In this experiment, the porous calcium silicate hydrates (P-CSHs) were prepared via a hydrothermal method and then modified by polyethylene glycol (PEG). The modified P-CSHs combined with an internal recycle reactor could successfully recover the phosphorus from electroplating wastewater. The modified P-CSHs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). After compared with different samples, the modified P-CSHs-PEG2000 sample had larger specific surface area of 87.48 m2/g and higher pore volume of 0.33 cm3/g, indicating a high capacity for phosphorus recovery. In the process of phosphorus recovery, the pH value of solution was increased to 9.5, which would enhance the recovery efficiency of phosphorus. The dissolution rate of Ca2+ from P-CSH-PEG2000 was fast, which was favorable for phosphorus precipitation and phosphorus recovery. The effects of initial concentration of phosphorus, P-CSHs-PEG2000 dosage, and stirring speed on phosphorus recovery were analyzed, so the optimal operation conditions for phosphorus recovery were obtained. The deposition was analyzed by XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, and SEM techniques; it was indicated that the pore volume and surface area of the P-CSHs-PEG2000 were significantly reduced, and the deposition on the surface of P-CSHs-PEG2000 was hydroxyapatite.


---

## Body

## 1. Introduction

In recent years, the electroplating industry is developing rapidly and the yield of electroplating wastewater is up to 4 billion m3 each year [1]. Cyanide has been gradually replaced by phosphate in plating cleaning, descaling, and anticorrosion due to the lower toxicity of phosphate [2]. The total concentration of phosphorus in electroplating wastewater is higher than 200 mg/L. In the process of electroplating wastewater treatment, people focus on the removal of heavy metals and toxic anion and ignore the phosphorus resource recycling, causing huge loss of phosphorus resources. However, natural reserves of high-grade rock phosphorus are limited and dissipated on a global scale [3, 4]. Hence, considerable attention has been paid to phosphorus recovery for realizing closed-loop phosphorus recycling [5].In recent years, various methods have been investigated to remove or recover phosphorus from wastewater, such as chemical precipitation [6], adsorption [7, 8], ion exchange [9], electrocoagulation [10], and membrane filtration [11]. Among these methods, chemical precipitation is difficult to be used to treat high concentration of phosphorus. In some areas, electrocoagulation and membrane filtration cannot be adopted due to the higher energy cost [12, 13]. Adsorption process is widely used for the recovery of phosphorus. However, with respect to the sustainable recycling of phosphorus, adsorption techniques are limited owing to the difficult regeneration of adsorbents and subsequent complex desorption process [14]. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a simple and beneficial method for phosphorus recovery.Compared with other adsorbents, calcium silicate hydrates (CSHs) show unique characteristics for phosphorus recovery. Firstly, the higher phosphorus adsorption capacity of CSHs is 137 mg/g [15], while the maximum adsorption capacity of phosphorus for natural calcium-rich sepiolite is 34 mg/g [16] and for ferrihydrite-modified diatomite it is 37 mg/g [17]. Secondly, CSHs are inexpensive and easily available materials compared with ferrihydrite-modified diatomite, lanthanum-modified bentonite clay, and zirconium-based oxides [18]. Thirdly, CSHs are nontoxic inorganic material made of carbide residue and white carbon black by hydrothermal synthesis method [19]. Therefore, CSHs are kinds of ideal materials for phosphorus recovery.The internal recycle reactor for phosphorus recovery is designed with both inner and outer tubes, including mixing reaction zone, crystallization reaction zone, centrifugal solid-liquid separation zone, crystal return flow zone, effluent overflow area, and phosphorus collection area [20]. The crystals of porous calcium silicate hydrates can be circulated in the system, which is beneficial for effectively recovering the high concentration of phosphorus in the wastewater. The circulating crystal reactor can be used as phosphorus nuclei, which is conducive to recover low concentration of phosphorus.In this experiment, calcium silicate hydrates were prepared with carbide residue and white carbon black. Then, it was modified by polyethylene glycol (PEG) to improve the performance of phosphorus recovery. Based on the fundamental principle of phosphorus recovery and technological characteristics of reactor, a fluidized bed of internal circulation for phosphorus crystallization was designed. The modified CSHs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The effects of initial concentration of phosphorus, P-CSHs-PEG2000 dosage, and stirring speed on recovery efficiency of phosphorus were analyzed, and the products of phosphorus recovery in this system were confirmed.


## 2. Materials and Methods

### 2.1. Materials

Carbide residue was used as calcium sources and obtained from Chongqing Changshou Chemical Co. Ltd. White carbon black was used as Si sources and purchased from Chongqing Jianfeng Chemical Co. Ltd. Chemical constituents of carbide residue and white carbon black were shown in Table1. The polyethylene glycol (PEG) regents were purchased from Chongqing Jianfeng Chemical Co. Ltd and the molecular weight of PEG was 200, 1000, 2000, 6000, and 20000, respectively. The phosphorus solution was prepared by adding KH2PO4 (analytical reagent, Chongqing Boyi Chemical reagent Co. Ltd.) and the initial concentration of phosphorus was 30 mg/L. All chemicals were used without further purification and all solutions were prepared using Milli-Q water.Table 1
Chemical components of carbide residue and white carbon black ((1) carbide residue; (2) white carbon black).
Chemical composition/%
CaO
SiO2
Al2O3
SO2
MgO
Fe2O3
SrO
NaOH
CuO
H2O
(1)
79.34
3.57
2.14
1.22
0.62
0.21
0.26
—
—
12.64
(2)
0.08
97.46
0.16
1.82
—
0.03
—
0.29
0.02
0.14


### 2.2. Preparation and Modification of Porous Calcium Silicate Hydrates

#### 2.2.1. Preparation of Porous Calcium Silicate Hydrates

Preparation of porous calcium silicate hydrates was shown as follows: firstly, the mixture of carbide residue and white carbon black was prepared at the molar ratios of Ca/Si at 1.6 : 1. And the slurry was generated by dissolving the mixture with a liquid/solid ratio of 30. Secondly, the slurry hydrothermally reacted at 170°C for 6 hours in reaction still and then taken out when the temperature was reduced to room temperature. Thirdly, the slurry was filtrated and dried at 105°C for 2 hours. Then the final products were ground and filtrated through a sieve of 200 mesh. The prepared samples were porous calcium silicate hydrates (P-CSHs) [21].


#### 2.2.2. Modification of Porous Calcium Silicate Hydrates

The modification of porous calcium silicate hydrates was shown as follows: firstly, the prepared porous calcium silicate hydrates (1.0 g) were dissolved and then added to polyethylene glycol regent with different molecular weights (200, 1000, 2000, 6000, and 20000). The solution was kept stirring at the rate of 60 r/min for 1 hour at water bath. Secondly, the slurry was filtrated and hydrothermally reacted at 500°C for 2 hours in muffle. After the sample cooled down to room temperature, the final products were ground and filtrated through a sieve of 200 mesh. The prepared samples were named as P-CSHs-PEG200, P-CSHs-PEG1000, P-CSHs-PEG2000, P-CSHs-PEG6000, and P-CSHs-PEG20000 [22].


### 2.3. Experimental Section

The experiments were performed in a glass reactor with 1.0 L potassium dihydrogen phosphate solutions and the initial concentration of KH2PO4 is in the range of 5~40 mg/L. The schematic diagram of internal recycle reactor was shown in Figure 1, and the operation of reactor was continuous inflow and indirect outflow. During all the experiments, the phosphorus content (%) in the solid product was calculated by(1)P=∑c0-cti×vw×100%,where Cti is the phosphorus concentration at a given time, mg/L; C0 is the phosphorus concentration at the initial time, mg/L; w is the weight of solid product, mg; v is the volume of solution, L.Figure 1
The schematic diagram of internal recycle reactor for phosphorus recovery. (1) Outlet of product; (2) collecting bowl for crystalline particle; (3) sampling port; (4) water inlet; (5) feed inlet; (6) outer tube; (7) inner tube; (8) reagent addition; (9) outer overflow nozzle; (10) internal overflow nozzle; (11) electrical machine; (12) mounting plate of electrical machine; (13) spiral stirrer; (14) rectangle stirrer; (15) water outlet; (16) effluent flume; (17) reflowing valve; (18) transmission shaft; (19) baffle of turbulent flow.


### 2.4. Analytical Method

The crystal structures and phase compositions of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) on a D/Max IIIB X-ray powder diffractometer (Rigaku, Japan) with Cu Kα radiation. The specific surface area and pore-size distribution of the as-prepared samples were calculated by N2 adsorption-desorption analysis (ASAP2020, Micromeritics, USA). The chemical bonds of samples were analyzed by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) (Nexus 670). Morphology, microstructure, and size of products were measured by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM, JEM-6490) [23]. The concentration of dissolved Ca2+ ion was measured using a 710 series inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES, Agilent Technology, USA).


## 2.1. Materials

Carbide residue was used as calcium sources and obtained from Chongqing Changshou Chemical Co. Ltd. White carbon black was used as Si sources and purchased from Chongqing Jianfeng Chemical Co. Ltd. Chemical constituents of carbide residue and white carbon black were shown in Table1. The polyethylene glycol (PEG) regents were purchased from Chongqing Jianfeng Chemical Co. Ltd and the molecular weight of PEG was 200, 1000, 2000, 6000, and 20000, respectively. The phosphorus solution was prepared by adding KH2PO4 (analytical reagent, Chongqing Boyi Chemical reagent Co. Ltd.) and the initial concentration of phosphorus was 30 mg/L. All chemicals were used without further purification and all solutions were prepared using Milli-Q water.Table 1
Chemical components of carbide residue and white carbon black ((1) carbide residue; (2) white carbon black).
Chemical composition/%
CaO
SiO2
Al2O3
SO2
MgO
Fe2O3
SrO
NaOH
CuO
H2O
(1)
79.34
3.57
2.14
1.22
0.62
0.21
0.26
—
—
12.64
(2)
0.08
97.46
0.16
1.82
—
0.03
—
0.29
0.02
0.14


## 2.2. Preparation and Modification of Porous Calcium Silicate Hydrates

### 2.2.1. Preparation of Porous Calcium Silicate Hydrates

Preparation of porous calcium silicate hydrates was shown as follows: firstly, the mixture of carbide residue and white carbon black was prepared at the molar ratios of Ca/Si at 1.6 : 1. And the slurry was generated by dissolving the mixture with a liquid/solid ratio of 30. Secondly, the slurry hydrothermally reacted at 170°C for 6 hours in reaction still and then taken out when the temperature was reduced to room temperature. Thirdly, the slurry was filtrated and dried at 105°C for 2 hours. Then the final products were ground and filtrated through a sieve of 200 mesh. The prepared samples were porous calcium silicate hydrates (P-CSHs) [21].


### 2.2.2. Modification of Porous Calcium Silicate Hydrates

The modification of porous calcium silicate hydrates was shown as follows: firstly, the prepared porous calcium silicate hydrates (1.0 g) were dissolved and then added to polyethylene glycol regent with different molecular weights (200, 1000, 2000, 6000, and 20000). The solution was kept stirring at the rate of 60 r/min for 1 hour at water bath. Secondly, the slurry was filtrated and hydrothermally reacted at 500°C for 2 hours in muffle. After the sample cooled down to room temperature, the final products were ground and filtrated through a sieve of 200 mesh. The prepared samples were named as P-CSHs-PEG200, P-CSHs-PEG1000, P-CSHs-PEG2000, P-CSHs-PEG6000, and P-CSHs-PEG20000 [22].


## 2.2.1. Preparation of Porous Calcium Silicate Hydrates

Preparation of porous calcium silicate hydrates was shown as follows: firstly, the mixture of carbide residue and white carbon black was prepared at the molar ratios of Ca/Si at 1.6 : 1. And the slurry was generated by dissolving the mixture with a liquid/solid ratio of 30. Secondly, the slurry hydrothermally reacted at 170°C for 6 hours in reaction still and then taken out when the temperature was reduced to room temperature. Thirdly, the slurry was filtrated and dried at 105°C for 2 hours. Then the final products were ground and filtrated through a sieve of 200 mesh. The prepared samples were porous calcium silicate hydrates (P-CSHs) [21].


## 2.2.2. Modification of Porous Calcium Silicate Hydrates

The modification of porous calcium silicate hydrates was shown as follows: firstly, the prepared porous calcium silicate hydrates (1.0 g) were dissolved and then added to polyethylene glycol regent with different molecular weights (200, 1000, 2000, 6000, and 20000). The solution was kept stirring at the rate of 60 r/min for 1 hour at water bath. Secondly, the slurry was filtrated and hydrothermally reacted at 500°C for 2 hours in muffle. After the sample cooled down to room temperature, the final products were ground and filtrated through a sieve of 200 mesh. The prepared samples were named as P-CSHs-PEG200, P-CSHs-PEG1000, P-CSHs-PEG2000, P-CSHs-PEG6000, and P-CSHs-PEG20000 [22].


## 2.3. Experimental Section

The experiments were performed in a glass reactor with 1.0 L potassium dihydrogen phosphate solutions and the initial concentration of KH2PO4 is in the range of 5~40 mg/L. The schematic diagram of internal recycle reactor was shown in Figure 1, and the operation of reactor was continuous inflow and indirect outflow. During all the experiments, the phosphorus content (%) in the solid product was calculated by(1)P=∑c0-cti×vw×100%,where Cti is the phosphorus concentration at a given time, mg/L; C0 is the phosphorus concentration at the initial time, mg/L; w is the weight of solid product, mg; v is the volume of solution, L.Figure 1
The schematic diagram of internal recycle reactor for phosphorus recovery. (1) Outlet of product; (2) collecting bowl for crystalline particle; (3) sampling port; (4) water inlet; (5) feed inlet; (6) outer tube; (7) inner tube; (8) reagent addition; (9) outer overflow nozzle; (10) internal overflow nozzle; (11) electrical machine; (12) mounting plate of electrical machine; (13) spiral stirrer; (14) rectangle stirrer; (15) water outlet; (16) effluent flume; (17) reflowing valve; (18) transmission shaft; (19) baffle of turbulent flow.


## 2.4. Analytical Method

The crystal structures and phase compositions of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) on a D/Max IIIB X-ray powder diffractometer (Rigaku, Japan) with Cu Kα radiation. The specific surface area and pore-size distribution of the as-prepared samples were calculated by N2 adsorption-desorption analysis (ASAP2020, Micromeritics, USA). The chemical bonds of samples were analyzed by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) (Nexus 670). Morphology, microstructure, and size of products were measured by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM, JEM-6490) [23]. The concentration of dissolved Ca2+ ion was measured using a 710 series inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES, Agilent Technology, USA).


## 3. Results and Discussion

### 3.1. XRD Characterization of the Modified CSHs

The XRD spectra of porous calcium silicate hydrates modified by PEG with different molecular weights were shown in Figure2. Before CSHs modification, the diffraction peaks with 2θ = 8.40°, 29.92°, 31.78°, 35.74°, and 49.70° (JCPDS card No. 25-1464) are observed [24]. The characteristic peaks of the modified CSHs samples at 2θ = 31.78° and 35.74° have disappeared obviously, and the strongest characteristic peaks at 2θ = 29.92° have weakened. The addition of PEG results in distortion of the crystalline structure and reduction of the crystallinity of porous calcium silicate hydrates [25]. The diffraction peaks of porous calcium silicate hydrates with 2θ = 8.40° are according to (002), which almost disappear after modified by PEG. The PEG reagent enters the interlayer of porous calcium silicate hydrates and increases the interlayer space of porous calcium silicate hydrates. The disappearing of diffraction peaks shows that the degree of crystallinity of porous calcium silicate hydrates is decreased significantly. The fitting of MDI jade5.0 indicates that the crystallinity of P-CSHs, P-CSHs-PEG200, P-CSHs-PEG1000, P-CSHs-PEG2000, P-CSHs-PEG6000, and P-CSHs-PEG20000 is 43.37%, 26.89%, 24.9%, 16.94%, 18.24%, and 38.16%, respectively.Figure 2
The XRD patterns of porous calcium silicate hydrates modified by PEG with different molecular weights.


### 3.2. Nitrogen Adsorption-Desorption Analysis

The N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms and pore-size distribution curves for different materials were shown in Figure 3. The phenomena of hysteresis loop in N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms for different materials are caused by the condensation of pores [26]. The data of pore structure of various materials is shown in Table 2. The specific surface area and pore volume of porous calcium silicate hydrates are increased by the modification of PEG. However, when the molecular weight of PEG is too low or too high, the surface area and pore volume of porous calcium silicate hydrates are not obviously changed. Therefore, when the porous calcium silicate hydrates are modified by PEG at molecular weight of 2000, it has the largest specific surface area of 87.48 m2/g and pore volume of 0.33 cm3/g.Table 2
The data of pore structure for different materials.
Samples
Pore volume/(cm3/g)
Pore diameter/(nm)
S
B
E
T/(m2/g)
P-CSHs-PEG200
0.24
14.90
64.00
P-CSHs-PEG1000
0.24
14.85
65.74
P-CSHs-PEG2000
0.33
15.43
87.48
P-CSHs-PEG6000
0.20
10.28
77.95
P-CSHs-PEG20000
0.23
20.35
46.03
P-CSHs
0.29
26.37
43.97Figure 3
The N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms and pore-size distribution curves for different materials.


### 3.3. FT-IR Analysis

In order to investigate the chemical bonding of the samples, the calcium silicate hydrates before and after modification were analyzed by FT-IR. As shown in Figure4, there are a series of absorption peaks at 3450 cm−1 (OH-), 970 cm−1 (Si-O-Si), 1637 cm−1 (O-H), 1450 cm−1 (C-O-H), and 450 cm−1 (Si-O-Si) in FT-IR spectra of two samples [27]. The characteristic peaks are ascribed to the silicon oxygen tetrahedron structure of calcium silicate hydrates. However, the intensity of characteristic peaks for P-CSHs-PEG2000 sample is obviously weaker than calcium silicate hydrates, indicating that the order degree of calcium silicate hydrates is decreased with the addition of PEG. In addition, P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples exhibit a stretching vibration peak of C-H at 2900 cm−1 and a stretching vibration absorption peak of C-O at 1100 cm−1. These characteristic peaks indicate that PEG is a polymer with -CH2-CH2-O- group in the main chain of molecules and belongs to nonionic dispersant [28]. The molecular structure consists of two parts: anchoring group and solvation chain. Before modification, the surface structure of calcium silicate hydrates is relatively dense and the molecular structure is closely arranged. When PEG is added to the slurry of calcium silicate hydrates, the polymer enters the defect site of the silicon oxygen tetrahedron chain of the calcium silicate hydrates or enters the interlayer. The anchoring groups are adsorbed on the surface of calcium silicate hydrates. And the solvation chains are expanded in the medium to form a barrier layer, which prevents the aggregation of solid particles and achieves the function of steric hindrance. PEG is burned away by calcinations and generated more pore structure.Figure 4
FT-IR spectra of calcium silicate hydrates before and after modification.


### 3.4. The Analysis of Dissolving Property for Calcium Silicate Hydrates

The concentration of dissolved Ca2+ and the variation of pH for different samples were shown in Figure 5. The modified calcium silicate hydrates can increase the concentration of dissolved Ca2+ and pH of solution [29]. Comparing with the P-CSHs sample, the concentration of dissolved Ca2+ from the modified P-CSHs-PEG2000 has been increased from 3.75 mg/L to 6.75 mg/L when it reached the reaction equilibrium. However, when the molecular weight of PEG is too large or too small, the calcium solubility of the modified calcium silicate hydrates is not significantly increased. The concentration of dissolved Ca2+ for the P-CSHs-PEG20000 is only 4.10 mg/L (Figure 5(a)). The modified calcium silicate hydrates can increase the pH of solution [30]. When various materials are reached to the solubility equilibrium, the pH value of solution is basically maintained at 8.6~9.5. Among them, the P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples can increase the pH value of solution to 9.5 (Figure 5(b)). The high concentration of dissolved Ca2+ and high pH value of solution are beneficial for phosphorus recovery. Therefore, the P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples are used as the material for phosphorus recovery in internal recycle reactor. Therefore, the P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples are used as the material for phosphorus recovery in internal recycle reactor.Figure 5
(a) The variation of dissolved Ca2+ concentration for different samples; (b) the variation of pH value in solution.
(a)
(b)


### 3.5. The Analysis of Operation Efficiency for Phosphorus Recovery

#### 3.5.1. The Effect of P-CSHs-PEG2000 Dosage on Phosphorus Recovery System

The effect of P-CSHs-PEG2000 dosage on phosphorus recovery system was investigated. While keeping parameters such as initial concentration of phosphorus and stirring speed fixed, the phosphorus recovery system was performed using different dosages of P-CSHs-PEG2000 (0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 g/L). As shown in Figure6, when the dosages of P-CSHs-PEG2000 are changed in the range of 1~4 g/L, the residual concentration of phosphorus remained at 4~5 mg/L after 60 min reaction. When the dosage of P-CSHs-PEG2000 is too small, the residual concentration of phosphorus is increased significantly and remained at 9.44 mg/L. The results are different from the conventional phenomena of coagulation and sedimentation. Comparing the traditional coagulation and sedimentation process, when the initial concentration of phosphorus is the same, the more dosage of the reagent can increase the recovery efficiency of phosphorus. However, the principle of phosphorus recovery in this system is different from the traditional principles of coagulation and sedimentation. In conventional coagulation and sedimentation process, the recovery efficiency of phosphorus mainly depends on the alkalinity generated by adding excess chemicals, which results in the lower utilization of agent for phosphorus recovery. Considering the effective utilization of P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples, the optimum dosage of crystal for phosphorus recovery is 1.0 g/L.Figure 6
The effect of P-CSHs-PEG2000 dosage on phosphorus recovery system (initial concentration of phosphorus, 30 mg/L; initial pH, 7.0; stirring speed, 60 r/min).


#### 3.5.2. The Effect of Stirring Speed on Phosphorus Recovery System

The effect of stirring speed on phosphorus recovery system was investigated. While keeping parameters such as initial concentration of phosphorus and P-CSHs-PEG2000 dosage fixed, the phosphorus recovery system was performed using different stirring speed (40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 r/min). As shown in Figure7, the stirring speed has a greater influence on residual concentration of phosphorus. When the stirring speed is 80 r/min, the residual concentration of phosphorus reaches the minimum (3.93 mg/L). However, when the stirring speeds are too higher or too lower, this will affect the operation efficiency and increase the residual concentration of phosphorus. In the process of phosphorus recovery, hydroxyapatites are generated on the surface of porous calcium silicate hydrates. The lower stirring speed cannot make the crystal fully contact with the sewage and the higher stirring speed cannot make the hydroxyapatites grow well on the surface of the crystal. Therefore, the best stirring speed for phosphorus recovery is 80 r/min.Figure 7
The effect of stirring speed on phosphorus recovery system (initial concentration of phosphorus, 30 mg/L; initial pH, 7.0; P-CSHs-PEG2000 dosage, 1.0 g/L).


#### 3.5.3. The Effect of Initial Concentration of Phosphorus on Operation Efficiency

The effect of initial concentration of phosphorus on operation efficiency was investigated. While keeping parameters such as P-CSHs-PEG2000 dosage and stirring speed fixed, the phosphorus recovery system was performed using different concentrations of phosphorus (40, 30, 20, 10, and 5 mg/L). As shown in Figure8, the initial concentration of phosphorus can only determine the rate of reaction; however, it cannot change the chemical equilibrium. When the reaction equilibrium is reached, the residual phosphorus concentration is basically stable between 3.5~4.0 mg/L. With respect to phosphorus treatment, the effluent of phosphorus concentration is not up to the standard in this system. But from the point of phosphorus recovery, the increase of phosphorus concentration is beneficial to improve the phosphorus recovery efficiency. Therefore, the initial concentration of phosphorus for phosphorus recovery is 40 mg/L.Figure 8
The effect of initial concentration of phosphorus on operation efficiency (initial pH, 7.0; P-CSHs-PEG2000 dosage, 1.0 g/L; stirring speed, 80 r/min).


### 3.6. The Characterization of Deposition

The residual concentration of phosphorus changed greatly in the four use times of P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples. Therefore, the influence of use times on pore structure of P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples was investigated. As shown in Figure9(a), the mesoporous adsorption mainly occurred in the middle pressure zone (0.4<p/p0<0.9). In this region, the phenomenon of hysteresis loop in various samples gradually disappeared and the adsorption curves are gradually declined with the increasing times of using calcium silicate hydrates. The data of pore volume and surface area about P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples after different use times are shown in Table 3.Table 3
The data of pore structure for P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples after different use times.
Samples
Pore volume/(cm3/g)
S
B
E
T/(m2/g)
Before use
0.33
87.48
First time use
0.25
55.00
Second time use
0.14
35.01
Third time use
0.10
14.90
Fourth time use
0.05
3.75Figure 9
The characterization of deposition: (a) the N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms for different times of using P-CSHs-PEG2000; (b) XRD patterns of deposit; (c) SEM images of P-CSHs-PEG2000 before use; (d) SEM images of P-CSHs-PEG2000 after four times use.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)With increasing the use times of P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples for phosphorus recovery, the pore volume and surface area are significantly reduced. The structural properties of P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples used for phosphorus recovery were further investigated by XRD in the range of 10–70°. As shown in Figure9(b), the pronounced diffraction peaks in the XRD pattern at 2θ of 26.4°, 33.4°, 50.7°, and 77.52° corresponded to hydroxylapatite in accordance with the standard [31] and the characteristic peaks of porous calcium silicate hydrate disappeared basically. Indicating porous calcium silicate hydrate is mainly covered by hydroxyapatite and achieves phosphorus recovery. The surface variation of porous calcium silicate hydrate in the process of phosphorus recovery is analyzed by SEM. As shown in Figures 9(c)-9(d), before P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples are used for phosphorus recovery, it obviously has a porous structure [32]. After four times using P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples for phosphorus recovery, it has no obvious pore structure and a large amount of flocculent substance appears. According to the analysis of XRD, the deposition on the surface of calcium silicate hydrate is hydroxyapatite. The phosphorus content of the deposition was 14.43%, which is basically closed to the phosphorus content of phosphorus minerals (15%). Therefore, it provides a simple and beneficial method for phosphorus recovery from the electroplating wastewater.


### 3.7. The Process of Phosphorus Recovery in Internal Recycle Reactor

Under the optimum conditions, the large surface area of porous calcium silicate hydrate quickly makes the materials dissolve calcium and effectively maintain the high concentrations of Ca2+ and OH-, which makes the pH of the solution kept at 8.5~9.5. Under this pH condition, the existence form of phosphorus is HPO42-. Thus, high concentrations of Ca2+, OH−, and HPO42- formed, which facilitates the formation of hydroxyapatite in a weak alkaline environment [33]. As shown in Figure 10, comparing the three systems (i.e., P-CSHs, modified P-CSHs-PEG2000, and the modified P-CSHs-PEG2000 combined with the internal recycle reactor) for phosphorus recovery, the internal recycle reactor enhances porous calcium silicate hydrates to recover phosphorus from electroplating wastewater.Figure 10
Comparing the three systems for phosphorus recovery (initial concentration of phosphorus, 40 mg/L; initial pH, 7.0; dosage of crystal, 1.0 g/L; stirring speed, 80 r/min).The internal recycle reactor for phosphorus recovery is structured with an inner cylinder and an external cylinder, wherein the inner cylinder consisted of mixing reaction zone, crystallization reaction zone, and solid-liquid separation zone [34]. The external cylinder includes hydroxyapatite formation zone and crystallization settling zone. In addition, the top of the reactor is the effluent settling zone and the bottom of the reactor is the crystal collecting zone. The design of double cylinder structure makes the reactor efficiently recover phosphorus. The operation way of reactor is simple and the operating cost is low. The functions of different reaction zones are introduced as follows: the mixed reaction zone makes the porous calcium silicate hydrate and phosphorus wastewater in full contact; the crystallization reaction zone makes the phosphate rapidly form hydroxyapatite; the solid-liquid separation zone makes the treated wastewater overflow from the top of the reactor and the porous calcium silicate hydrates get into the external cylinder under centrifugal force; the growth of hydroxyapatite is based on the principle of secondary nucleation, which makes the hydroxyapatite continually grow. The cyclic precipitation zone allows the hydroxyapatite to flow back to the inner cylinder and improves phosphorus recovery; the collection zone is used for deposition and collection products of phosphorus recovery [35]. Therefore, the design of double cylinder structure makes the reactor efficiently recover phosphorus.


## 3.1. XRD Characterization of the Modified CSHs

The XRD spectra of porous calcium silicate hydrates modified by PEG with different molecular weights were shown in Figure2. Before CSHs modification, the diffraction peaks with 2θ = 8.40°, 29.92°, 31.78°, 35.74°, and 49.70° (JCPDS card No. 25-1464) are observed [24]. The characteristic peaks of the modified CSHs samples at 2θ = 31.78° and 35.74° have disappeared obviously, and the strongest characteristic peaks at 2θ = 29.92° have weakened. The addition of PEG results in distortion of the crystalline structure and reduction of the crystallinity of porous calcium silicate hydrates [25]. The diffraction peaks of porous calcium silicate hydrates with 2θ = 8.40° are according to (002), which almost disappear after modified by PEG. The PEG reagent enters the interlayer of porous calcium silicate hydrates and increases the interlayer space of porous calcium silicate hydrates. The disappearing of diffraction peaks shows that the degree of crystallinity of porous calcium silicate hydrates is decreased significantly. The fitting of MDI jade5.0 indicates that the crystallinity of P-CSHs, P-CSHs-PEG200, P-CSHs-PEG1000, P-CSHs-PEG2000, P-CSHs-PEG6000, and P-CSHs-PEG20000 is 43.37%, 26.89%, 24.9%, 16.94%, 18.24%, and 38.16%, respectively.Figure 2
The XRD patterns of porous calcium silicate hydrates modified by PEG with different molecular weights.


## 3.2. Nitrogen Adsorption-Desorption Analysis

The N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms and pore-size distribution curves for different materials were shown in Figure 3. The phenomena of hysteresis loop in N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms for different materials are caused by the condensation of pores [26]. The data of pore structure of various materials is shown in Table 2. The specific surface area and pore volume of porous calcium silicate hydrates are increased by the modification of PEG. However, when the molecular weight of PEG is too low or too high, the surface area and pore volume of porous calcium silicate hydrates are not obviously changed. Therefore, when the porous calcium silicate hydrates are modified by PEG at molecular weight of 2000, it has the largest specific surface area of 87.48 m2/g and pore volume of 0.33 cm3/g.Table 2
The data of pore structure for different materials.
Samples
Pore volume/(cm3/g)
Pore diameter/(nm)
S
B
E
T/(m2/g)
P-CSHs-PEG200
0.24
14.90
64.00
P-CSHs-PEG1000
0.24
14.85
65.74
P-CSHs-PEG2000
0.33
15.43
87.48
P-CSHs-PEG6000
0.20
10.28
77.95
P-CSHs-PEG20000
0.23
20.35
46.03
P-CSHs
0.29
26.37
43.97Figure 3
The N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms and pore-size distribution curves for different materials.


## 3.3. FT-IR Analysis

In order to investigate the chemical bonding of the samples, the calcium silicate hydrates before and after modification were analyzed by FT-IR. As shown in Figure4, there are a series of absorption peaks at 3450 cm−1 (OH-), 970 cm−1 (Si-O-Si), 1637 cm−1 (O-H), 1450 cm−1 (C-O-H), and 450 cm−1 (Si-O-Si) in FT-IR spectra of two samples [27]. The characteristic peaks are ascribed to the silicon oxygen tetrahedron structure of calcium silicate hydrates. However, the intensity of characteristic peaks for P-CSHs-PEG2000 sample is obviously weaker than calcium silicate hydrates, indicating that the order degree of calcium silicate hydrates is decreased with the addition of PEG. In addition, P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples exhibit a stretching vibration peak of C-H at 2900 cm−1 and a stretching vibration absorption peak of C-O at 1100 cm−1. These characteristic peaks indicate that PEG is a polymer with -CH2-CH2-O- group in the main chain of molecules and belongs to nonionic dispersant [28]. The molecular structure consists of two parts: anchoring group and solvation chain. Before modification, the surface structure of calcium silicate hydrates is relatively dense and the molecular structure is closely arranged. When PEG is added to the slurry of calcium silicate hydrates, the polymer enters the defect site of the silicon oxygen tetrahedron chain of the calcium silicate hydrates or enters the interlayer. The anchoring groups are adsorbed on the surface of calcium silicate hydrates. And the solvation chains are expanded in the medium to form a barrier layer, which prevents the aggregation of solid particles and achieves the function of steric hindrance. PEG is burned away by calcinations and generated more pore structure.Figure 4
FT-IR spectra of calcium silicate hydrates before and after modification.


## 3.4. The Analysis of Dissolving Property for Calcium Silicate Hydrates

The concentration of dissolved Ca2+ and the variation of pH for different samples were shown in Figure 5. The modified calcium silicate hydrates can increase the concentration of dissolved Ca2+ and pH of solution [29]. Comparing with the P-CSHs sample, the concentration of dissolved Ca2+ from the modified P-CSHs-PEG2000 has been increased from 3.75 mg/L to 6.75 mg/L when it reached the reaction equilibrium. However, when the molecular weight of PEG is too large or too small, the calcium solubility of the modified calcium silicate hydrates is not significantly increased. The concentration of dissolved Ca2+ for the P-CSHs-PEG20000 is only 4.10 mg/L (Figure 5(a)). The modified calcium silicate hydrates can increase the pH of solution [30]. When various materials are reached to the solubility equilibrium, the pH value of solution is basically maintained at 8.6~9.5. Among them, the P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples can increase the pH value of solution to 9.5 (Figure 5(b)). The high concentration of dissolved Ca2+ and high pH value of solution are beneficial for phosphorus recovery. Therefore, the P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples are used as the material for phosphorus recovery in internal recycle reactor. Therefore, the P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples are used as the material for phosphorus recovery in internal recycle reactor.Figure 5
(a) The variation of dissolved Ca2+ concentration for different samples; (b) the variation of pH value in solution.
(a)
(b)


## 3.5. The Analysis of Operation Efficiency for Phosphorus Recovery

### 3.5.1. The Effect of P-CSHs-PEG2000 Dosage on Phosphorus Recovery System

The effect of P-CSHs-PEG2000 dosage on phosphorus recovery system was investigated. While keeping parameters such as initial concentration of phosphorus and stirring speed fixed, the phosphorus recovery system was performed using different dosages of P-CSHs-PEG2000 (0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 g/L). As shown in Figure6, when the dosages of P-CSHs-PEG2000 are changed in the range of 1~4 g/L, the residual concentration of phosphorus remained at 4~5 mg/L after 60 min reaction. When the dosage of P-CSHs-PEG2000 is too small, the residual concentration of phosphorus is increased significantly and remained at 9.44 mg/L. The results are different from the conventional phenomena of coagulation and sedimentation. Comparing the traditional coagulation and sedimentation process, when the initial concentration of phosphorus is the same, the more dosage of the reagent can increase the recovery efficiency of phosphorus. However, the principle of phosphorus recovery in this system is different from the traditional principles of coagulation and sedimentation. In conventional coagulation and sedimentation process, the recovery efficiency of phosphorus mainly depends on the alkalinity generated by adding excess chemicals, which results in the lower utilization of agent for phosphorus recovery. Considering the effective utilization of P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples, the optimum dosage of crystal for phosphorus recovery is 1.0 g/L.Figure 6
The effect of P-CSHs-PEG2000 dosage on phosphorus recovery system (initial concentration of phosphorus, 30 mg/L; initial pH, 7.0; stirring speed, 60 r/min).


### 3.5.2. The Effect of Stirring Speed on Phosphorus Recovery System

The effect of stirring speed on phosphorus recovery system was investigated. While keeping parameters such as initial concentration of phosphorus and P-CSHs-PEG2000 dosage fixed, the phosphorus recovery system was performed using different stirring speed (40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 r/min). As shown in Figure7, the stirring speed has a greater influence on residual concentration of phosphorus. When the stirring speed is 80 r/min, the residual concentration of phosphorus reaches the minimum (3.93 mg/L). However, when the stirring speeds are too higher or too lower, this will affect the operation efficiency and increase the residual concentration of phosphorus. In the process of phosphorus recovery, hydroxyapatites are generated on the surface of porous calcium silicate hydrates. The lower stirring speed cannot make the crystal fully contact with the sewage and the higher stirring speed cannot make the hydroxyapatites grow well on the surface of the crystal. Therefore, the best stirring speed for phosphorus recovery is 80 r/min.Figure 7
The effect of stirring speed on phosphorus recovery system (initial concentration of phosphorus, 30 mg/L; initial pH, 7.0; P-CSHs-PEG2000 dosage, 1.0 g/L).


### 3.5.3. The Effect of Initial Concentration of Phosphorus on Operation Efficiency

The effect of initial concentration of phosphorus on operation efficiency was investigated. While keeping parameters such as P-CSHs-PEG2000 dosage and stirring speed fixed, the phosphorus recovery system was performed using different concentrations of phosphorus (40, 30, 20, 10, and 5 mg/L). As shown in Figure8, the initial concentration of phosphorus can only determine the rate of reaction; however, it cannot change the chemical equilibrium. When the reaction equilibrium is reached, the residual phosphorus concentration is basically stable between 3.5~4.0 mg/L. With respect to phosphorus treatment, the effluent of phosphorus concentration is not up to the standard in this system. But from the point of phosphorus recovery, the increase of phosphorus concentration is beneficial to improve the phosphorus recovery efficiency. Therefore, the initial concentration of phosphorus for phosphorus recovery is 40 mg/L.Figure 8
The effect of initial concentration of phosphorus on operation efficiency (initial pH, 7.0; P-CSHs-PEG2000 dosage, 1.0 g/L; stirring speed, 80 r/min).


## 3.5.1. The Effect of P-CSHs-PEG2000 Dosage on Phosphorus Recovery System

The effect of P-CSHs-PEG2000 dosage on phosphorus recovery system was investigated. While keeping parameters such as initial concentration of phosphorus and stirring speed fixed, the phosphorus recovery system was performed using different dosages of P-CSHs-PEG2000 (0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 g/L). As shown in Figure6, when the dosages of P-CSHs-PEG2000 are changed in the range of 1~4 g/L, the residual concentration of phosphorus remained at 4~5 mg/L after 60 min reaction. When the dosage of P-CSHs-PEG2000 is too small, the residual concentration of phosphorus is increased significantly and remained at 9.44 mg/L. The results are different from the conventional phenomena of coagulation and sedimentation. Comparing the traditional coagulation and sedimentation process, when the initial concentration of phosphorus is the same, the more dosage of the reagent can increase the recovery efficiency of phosphorus. However, the principle of phosphorus recovery in this system is different from the traditional principles of coagulation and sedimentation. In conventional coagulation and sedimentation process, the recovery efficiency of phosphorus mainly depends on the alkalinity generated by adding excess chemicals, which results in the lower utilization of agent for phosphorus recovery. Considering the effective utilization of P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples, the optimum dosage of crystal for phosphorus recovery is 1.0 g/L.Figure 6
The effect of P-CSHs-PEG2000 dosage on phosphorus recovery system (initial concentration of phosphorus, 30 mg/L; initial pH, 7.0; stirring speed, 60 r/min).


## 3.5.2. The Effect of Stirring Speed on Phosphorus Recovery System

The effect of stirring speed on phosphorus recovery system was investigated. While keeping parameters such as initial concentration of phosphorus and P-CSHs-PEG2000 dosage fixed, the phosphorus recovery system was performed using different stirring speed (40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 r/min). As shown in Figure7, the stirring speed has a greater influence on residual concentration of phosphorus. When the stirring speed is 80 r/min, the residual concentration of phosphorus reaches the minimum (3.93 mg/L). However, when the stirring speeds are too higher or too lower, this will affect the operation efficiency and increase the residual concentration of phosphorus. In the process of phosphorus recovery, hydroxyapatites are generated on the surface of porous calcium silicate hydrates. The lower stirring speed cannot make the crystal fully contact with the sewage and the higher stirring speed cannot make the hydroxyapatites grow well on the surface of the crystal. Therefore, the best stirring speed for phosphorus recovery is 80 r/min.Figure 7
The effect of stirring speed on phosphorus recovery system (initial concentration of phosphorus, 30 mg/L; initial pH, 7.0; P-CSHs-PEG2000 dosage, 1.0 g/L).


## 3.5.3. The Effect of Initial Concentration of Phosphorus on Operation Efficiency

The effect of initial concentration of phosphorus on operation efficiency was investigated. While keeping parameters such as P-CSHs-PEG2000 dosage and stirring speed fixed, the phosphorus recovery system was performed using different concentrations of phosphorus (40, 30, 20, 10, and 5 mg/L). As shown in Figure8, the initial concentration of phosphorus can only determine the rate of reaction; however, it cannot change the chemical equilibrium. When the reaction equilibrium is reached, the residual phosphorus concentration is basically stable between 3.5~4.0 mg/L. With respect to phosphorus treatment, the effluent of phosphorus concentration is not up to the standard in this system. But from the point of phosphorus recovery, the increase of phosphorus concentration is beneficial to improve the phosphorus recovery efficiency. Therefore, the initial concentration of phosphorus for phosphorus recovery is 40 mg/L.Figure 8
The effect of initial concentration of phosphorus on operation efficiency (initial pH, 7.0; P-CSHs-PEG2000 dosage, 1.0 g/L; stirring speed, 80 r/min).


## 3.6. The Characterization of Deposition

The residual concentration of phosphorus changed greatly in the four use times of P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples. Therefore, the influence of use times on pore structure of P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples was investigated. As shown in Figure9(a), the mesoporous adsorption mainly occurred in the middle pressure zone (0.4<p/p0<0.9). In this region, the phenomenon of hysteresis loop in various samples gradually disappeared and the adsorption curves are gradually declined with the increasing times of using calcium silicate hydrates. The data of pore volume and surface area about P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples after different use times are shown in Table 3.Table 3
The data of pore structure for P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples after different use times.
Samples
Pore volume/(cm3/g)
S
B
E
T/(m2/g)
Before use
0.33
87.48
First time use
0.25
55.00
Second time use
0.14
35.01
Third time use
0.10
14.90
Fourth time use
0.05
3.75Figure 9
The characterization of deposition: (a) the N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms for different times of using P-CSHs-PEG2000; (b) XRD patterns of deposit; (c) SEM images of P-CSHs-PEG2000 before use; (d) SEM images of P-CSHs-PEG2000 after four times use.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)With increasing the use times of P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples for phosphorus recovery, the pore volume and surface area are significantly reduced. The structural properties of P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples used for phosphorus recovery were further investigated by XRD in the range of 10–70°. As shown in Figure9(b), the pronounced diffraction peaks in the XRD pattern at 2θ of 26.4°, 33.4°, 50.7°, and 77.52° corresponded to hydroxylapatite in accordance with the standard [31] and the characteristic peaks of porous calcium silicate hydrate disappeared basically. Indicating porous calcium silicate hydrate is mainly covered by hydroxyapatite and achieves phosphorus recovery. The surface variation of porous calcium silicate hydrate in the process of phosphorus recovery is analyzed by SEM. As shown in Figures 9(c)-9(d), before P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples are used for phosphorus recovery, it obviously has a porous structure [32]. After four times using P-CSHs-PEG2000 samples for phosphorus recovery, it has no obvious pore structure and a large amount of flocculent substance appears. According to the analysis of XRD, the deposition on the surface of calcium silicate hydrate is hydroxyapatite. The phosphorus content of the deposition was 14.43%, which is basically closed to the phosphorus content of phosphorus minerals (15%). Therefore, it provides a simple and beneficial method for phosphorus recovery from the electroplating wastewater.


## 3.7. The Process of Phosphorus Recovery in Internal Recycle Reactor

Under the optimum conditions, the large surface area of porous calcium silicate hydrate quickly makes the materials dissolve calcium and effectively maintain the high concentrations of Ca2+ and OH-, which makes the pH of the solution kept at 8.5~9.5. Under this pH condition, the existence form of phosphorus is HPO42-. Thus, high concentrations of Ca2+, OH−, and HPO42- formed, which facilitates the formation of hydroxyapatite in a weak alkaline environment [33]. As shown in Figure 10, comparing the three systems (i.e., P-CSHs, modified P-CSHs-PEG2000, and the modified P-CSHs-PEG2000 combined with the internal recycle reactor) for phosphorus recovery, the internal recycle reactor enhances porous calcium silicate hydrates to recover phosphorus from electroplating wastewater.Figure 10
Comparing the three systems for phosphorus recovery (initial concentration of phosphorus, 40 mg/L; initial pH, 7.0; dosage of crystal, 1.0 g/L; stirring speed, 80 r/min).The internal recycle reactor for phosphorus recovery is structured with an inner cylinder and an external cylinder, wherein the inner cylinder consisted of mixing reaction zone, crystallization reaction zone, and solid-liquid separation zone [34]. The external cylinder includes hydroxyapatite formation zone and crystallization settling zone. In addition, the top of the reactor is the effluent settling zone and the bottom of the reactor is the crystal collecting zone. The design of double cylinder structure makes the reactor efficiently recover phosphorus. The operation way of reactor is simple and the operating cost is low. The functions of different reaction zones are introduced as follows: the mixed reaction zone makes the porous calcium silicate hydrate and phosphorus wastewater in full contact; the crystallization reaction zone makes the phosphate rapidly form hydroxyapatite; the solid-liquid separation zone makes the treated wastewater overflow from the top of the reactor and the porous calcium silicate hydrates get into the external cylinder under centrifugal force; the growth of hydroxyapatite is based on the principle of secondary nucleation, which makes the hydroxyapatite continually grow. The cyclic precipitation zone allows the hydroxyapatite to flow back to the inner cylinder and improves phosphorus recovery; the collection zone is used for deposition and collection products of phosphorus recovery [35]. Therefore, the design of double cylinder structure makes the reactor efficiently recover phosphorus.


## 4. Conclusion

The porous calcium silicate hydrates could be circulated in the internal recycle reactor, which could effectively recover high concentration of phosphorus from electroplating wastewater. Compared with different samples, the modified P-CSHs-PEG2000 sample had larger specific surface area and higher pore volume, which was beneficial for phosphorus recovery. Moreover, the dissolution rate of Ca2+ from P-CSH-PEG2000 was fast, which was favorable for phosphorus precipitation and phosphorus recovery. The effects of initial concentration of phosphorus, P-CSHs-PEG2000 dosage, and stirring speed on phosphorus recovery were analyzed, so the optimal operation conditions for phosphorus recovery were obtained. The deposition was analyzed by XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, and SEM techniques; it was indicated that the pore volume and surface area of the P-CSHs-PEG2000 were significantly reduced, and the deposition on the surface of P-CSHs-PEG2000 was hydroxyapatite. The main products in the process of phosphorus recovery were hydroxyapatite and the phosphorus content of the products was 14.43%, which is basically closed to the phosphorus content of phosphorus minerals (15%).



---

*Source: 2139594-2017-10-26.xml*