Comparison on the Characteristics of Bio-Based Porous Carbons by Physical and Novel Chemical Activation

Abstract:

There is significantly abundant portion of waste agricultural materials in the world serving as environmental challenge, however, they could be converted into useful value added products like activated carbon. Coconut shell based carbons were synthesized using physical activation by CO₂ and chemical activation with potassium hydroxide and potassium acetate. The BET surface areas and pore volumes are 361m²/g and 0.19cm³/g for physical activation, 1353m²/g and 0.61cm³/g for activation with KOH and 622m²/g and 0.31cm³/g for potassium acetate activated carbon. From the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis, hydroxyls, alkenes and carbonyl functional groups were identified with more prominence on the chemically activated porous carbons. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results showed occurrence of moisture pyrolysis at 105°C, the pyrolysis of hemicellulose and cellulose occurred at 160–390°C and lignin at (390-650°C). Carbonization at 700°C and 2hrs had highest yield of 32%. Physical activation yielded lower surface area with approximately 88% micropores. On the other hand, chemically activation yielded higher surface area with elevated mesopores. The porous carbons can be applied to salvage pollution challenges.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 554)
• Pages: 22-26
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.554.22
• Online since: June 2014
• Authors: Jibril Mohammed, Noor Shawal Nasri*, Muhammad Abbas Ahmad Zaini, Usman Hamza Dadum, Murtala Musa Ahmed
• Keywords: Characteristic, Chemical Activation, Coconut Shell, Physical Activation, Sustainable Porous Carbon

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