Activation temperature and particle size of palm kernel shell vs. the surface properties of activated carbon

Abstract

Granular activated carbon (GAC) and powdered activated carbon (PAC) are the two most common forms of activated carbon with varying particle size range. The goal of this study was to analyze the key factors (particle size and activation temperature) affecting the surface characteristics of GAC and PAC derived from palm kernel shell (PKS). The surface morphology suggested that the pore network in PKS-PAC is more developed than that in PKS-GAC owing to the presence of a micropore structure when prepared at lower activation temperatures. This study also demonstrated that activation performed on different PKS particle size range influenced the mesopore domain of the activated carbon produced. The PKS-GAC was found to have more mesopores than PKS-PAC, which made it more reliable for dye adsorption in water treatment. Overall, this study demonstrated that applying different particle size range of PKS during the activation process can have a significant influence on the surface characteristics, thus having a direct impact on the application of activated carbon. An accurate particle size range will ensure that the most cost-effective activated carbon is selected to achieve the desired performance objectives.

A Review of Bio-Based Activated Carbon Properties Produced from Different Activating Chemicals during Chemicals Activation Process on Biomass and Its Potential for Malaysia

“…Research by Andas et al and Lee et al [69,70] found that PKS-based activated carbon generated by two-step activation process had an extensive surface area and excellent methylene blue dye adsorption capability. The research also revealed that the properties of the activated carbon that was produced were greatly impacted by the activation procedure.…”

“…The possible application of different kinds of biomass precursors, including PKS, for the production of activated carbon in Malaysia was covered by Andas et al, Lee et al, and Zainal et al [67,69,70]. PKS, according to the researchers, is an appropriate precursor for the creation of activated carbon because of its high carbon concentration and minimal ash content.…”

“…Additionally, Lee et al [70] examined the characteristics of activated carbon made from PKS and coconut shells in other research. According to the study, PKS is a potential precursor for the manufacture of activated carbon in Malaysia because it has a larger surface area and greater methylene blue adsorption capability.…”

Application of ionic liquids and various carbon materials in reference electrodes with carbon paste‐based transducers

“…Palm kernel shell graphene oxide samples were prepared by Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, University Putra Malaysia. The detailed description of the synthesis of the material was previously described by [39][40][41]. Differences in synthesis procedure for all samples are highlighted in Table 2.…”