Optimization of Preparation Conditions for Acid Red 88 Dye Removal using Rubber Seed Coat Based Activated Carbon

Abstract

This study investigates the optimal conditions for preparation of activated carbon from rubber seed coat (RSC) for removal of Acid Red 88 (AR88) dye from aqueous solution. The RSC activated carbon was prepared using physiochemical activation method which consisted of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment and carbon dioxide (CO2) gasification. Central composite design (CCD) was used to determine the effects of the three preparation variables; CO2 activation temperature, CO2 activation time and NaOH impregnation ratio (IR) on AR88 percentage removal and RSC activated carbon yield. Based on the CCD, a quadratic model and a linear model were respectively developed for AR88 percentage removal and RSC activated carbon yield. The optimum conditions for activated carbon preparation were obtained by using activation temperature of 775°C, activation time of 2 h and IR of 2.25, which resulted in 38.29 % of AR88 removal and 33.26 % of activated carbon yield.