Acid-Activated Carbons from Peanut Shells: Synthesis, Characterization and Uptake of Organic Compounds from Aqueous Solutions

Abstract

Activated carbon with a high adsorption capacity for the removal of organic compounds from aqueous solutions was made from phosphoric acidactivated peanut shells. Adsorption isotherms for the uptake of phenol, iodine, Methylene Blue and tannic acid were obtained at 22 C. Freundlich, Langmuir and previously developed equation models all explained the experimental data satisfactorily. Further analysis using the Dubinin-Radushkevich equation showed that the maximum micropore volume accessible to the adsorbate decreased as the molecular size increased, suggesting a molecular sieve or gate effect. A comparison was made with the micropore volume as determined by nitrogen adsorption at 196 C. The results presented indicate that peanut shell residues provide a suitable option for the preparation of activated carbon with good surface properties and the ability to remove organic compounds from aqueous solutions.

Removal of indigo carmine from aqueous solution by microwave-treated activated carbon from peanut shell

“…Several studies have been conducted to prepare activated carbon (AC) from PS by chemical modification. The AC adsorbents from PS demonstrate good adsorption capacity for certain metal ions and organic compounds [18,19]. In this study, AC was prepared from PS using H 3 PO 4 as an activating agent with microwave treatment.…”

Equilibrium and kinetic studies on the removal of Acid Red 114 from aqueous solutions using activated carbons prepared from seed shells

“…This has led many workers to search for cheaper substitutes for the activated carbon [6]. A number of low-cost adsorbents have been examined for dye removal, including agricultural waste biomass [7], peanut hulls [8], almond shells [9], and wheat bran carbon [10]. Still, coloured wastewater treatment needs new adsorbents that are economical, easily available and effective.…”

Methylene blue adsorption from aqueous solution by dehydrated peanut hull

“…In order to decrease the cost of treatment, some attempts have been made to find low cost alternative adsorbents. Recently numerous approach have been done to develop cheaper and effective adsorbents to remove dyes from a variety of starting materials such as waste materials [9][10][11], mango seed kernel [12], perlite and clay [13][14][15], saw dust [16], sugarcane [17], jute fibre [18], bagasse pith [19], carbons from agricultural wastes [20], wheat bran [21] and peanut hull [22][23][24].…”