A novel method of combination of Kraft lignin with synthetic mineral support

The main goal of this research was to produce and to give a full physicochemical description of a new group of products obtained by combining a commercially available Kraft lignin with the synthetic inorganic support MgO⋅SiO2. Hybrid systems of this type may have a wide range of applications, particularly considering the variety of functional groups present in the structure of lignin, as well as the large surface area presented by the inorganic oxide system. These features allow the products to be classed as effective adsorption materials, with a broad range of users connected with protection of the environment. The lignin was combined with the surface of the synthetic mineral support by way of initial activation of the lignin, followed by its reaction with the precipitated oxide system MgO⋅SiO2. The materials (biosorbents) thus obtained were subjected to thorough physicochemical analysis, including evaluation of their dispersive–morphological character, thermal and electro-kinetic stability, and porous structure parameters. Additionally, to confirm the effectiveness of the combining operation, the FT-IR spectra were analyzed and the elemental composition of this new group of hybrid biosorbents was determined.