Optimization and Characterization of Adsorbent from Palm Kernel Shell Waste Using H3PO4 Activator

Abstract

<p class="E-JOURNALHeading1">Palm kernel shell is solid waste produced from the processing of crude palm oil (CPO). In this context, phosphoric acid (H<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub>) serves as an essential activator for producing an adsorbent with maximum micropore under operating conditions at a temperature of <450<sup>o</sup>C. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the optimal adsorbent condition of the palm kernel shell using H<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub>activator. The production process was optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Central Composite Design (CCD) methods with activator concentration variations of 4%, 5%, and 6%, at activation times of 23 hours, 24 hours, and 25 hours, respectively. The quality of the adsorbent produced fulfilled SNI standard 06-3730-1995, characterized by water content of 1.001%, ash content of 5.767%, missing substance level of 18.932%, and fixed carbon content of 75.301%. Furthermore, this work effectively optimized the RSM and CCD adsorbent production process, achieving 4.785% variation in activator concentration and 24.679 hours activation time.</p>