Superior nitrogen-doped activated carbon materials for water cleaning and energy storing prepared from renewable leather wastes

The fabrication of nitrogen-doped activated carbons (N-ACs) from leather solid wastes (LSW), a huge underutilized bioresource, by different activation methods was investigated. N-AC prepared by KOH activation (named KNAC) exhibited superior physical and chemical properties with much higher BET surface area (2247 m2 g−1) and more abundant hierarchical micropores than those activated by nano-CaCO3 (CNAC) or by direct carbonization (NNAC). KOH activation decreased the total nitrogen content in KNAC, but it increased the ratio of surface nitrogen species. KOH activation also significantly promoted the conversion of nitrogen species in the carbon material to pyridinic N. Potential applications of the prepared N-ACs were evaluated, and they were tested as adsorbents to remove phenols from water and as the anodes of lithium batteries. The high surface area, abundant micropores, and plentiful surface pyridinic N guaranteed KNAC a superior nitrogen-doped activated carbon that could serve as an excellent adsorbent to remove phenols (282 mg/g) from waste water as well as an outstanding electrode material with a high and stable charge/discharge capacity (533.54 mAh g−1 after 150th cycle). The strategy of LSW conversion to versatile N-ACs turns waste into treasure and could promote the sustainable development of our society.