Determination of Optimum Conditions for the Production of Activated Carbon Derived from Separate Varieties of Coconut Shells

Abstract

Activated carbons were produced from coconut shells of tall and dwarf tree varieties. The activated carbon from the tall tree variety was initially synthesized using 1 M concentration of each of ZnCl 2 , H 3 PO 4 , and KOH solutions. From the adsorptive tests conducted using methylene blue solution, the activated carbon produced with H 3 PO 4 gave the best absorbance and adsorptive performance. Coconut shells of dwarf tree variety were then obtained and treated with same mass of coconut shells of the tall tree variety using varied concentrations of the acid in order to determine whether the optimum concentration and temperature for producing carbon black from the coconut shells are distinct or similar for both varieties. The process was also modelled using the Differential Response Method (DRM) in order to determine the yields and adsorptive performances of the activated carbons by varying the carbonization temperature and concentration. The results from experiment and the developed mathematical model were both found to be in agreement giving the optimum concentration of phosphoric acid and pH for producing activated carbon to be 0.67 M and 2.07 for the tall tree variety and 1 M and 1.98 for the dwarf variety at optimum temperatures in the range of 450-575 ∘ C and 575 ∘ C, respectively.

Methylene Blue Removal Using Coconut Shell Biochar Synthesized Through Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis

“…When it is burned in open air, it will result in CO2 and methane emission, which are among the primary green-house gases in Earth's atmosphere. In fact, coconut shell waste is lignocellulosic biomass which can be derived into various valuable products, such as biooil [3,4], concrete [5], silver nanoparticles for antibacterial [6], syngas, biochar, tar [7,8], and activated carbon [9]. However, in Indonesia, coconut shell waste has not been optimally utilized for valuable products.…”

Aqueous Lead Removal under Optimized Conditions Using Phosphoric Acid Activated Coconut Coir Activated Carbon

“…Activated carbon (AC) has been extensively utilized as an adsorbent [9] for environmental applications such as the removal of organic and inorganic pollutants from air and water streams over the past few decades. Most common applications of activated carbon include air and water purification, water filtration, groundwater remediation, adsorption of poisons, and drug overdoses [10]. Activated carbon is a carbonaceous material with a characteristic high surface area with microporosity consists of 87% to 97% carbon with other trace elements [10].…”

“…Most common applications of activated carbon include air and water purification, water filtration, groundwater remediation, adsorption of poisons, and drug overdoses [10]. Activated carbon is a carbonaceous material with a characteristic high surface area with microporosity consists of 87% to 97% carbon with other trace elements [10]. Most of the low-cost materials with high carbon content and low inorganic D. D. T. T. D. Senarathna et al elements can be used as a raw material for the mass production of activated carbon [5].…”

Preparation, Characterization and Utilization of Coconut Adsorbents as a Filter Media for Wastewater Treatment

“…In the activation process the carbon products were treated to release the hydrocarbons, tar and other organic compounds attached to carbonized char. By this process, the pores were formed which are still closed and size and number of pores were increased with enhanced surface area and adsorption properties which was called as activated carbon [6].…”