Removal of methyl violet dye via adsorption using activated carbon prepared from Randu sawdust (Ceiba pentandra)

Abstract

In this study, randu sawdust carbon used as raw material for synthesis of activated carbon via KOH chemical activation assisted to adsorb methyl violet dye in the water. Activation by microwave radiation was conducted to accelerate the activation time. Randu sawdust char/carbon and randu sawdust activated carbon were characterized by FTIR, SEM, and BET. The results showed that the randu sawdust carbon and the activated carbon have a functional group which can adsorb methyl violet. Randu sawdust activated carbon has a larger pore and surface area than the randu sawdust carbon/char. The optimum adsorption occured at pH 9 and 90 minute of contact time. The maximum adsorption capacity of methyl violet dye by the randu sawdust activated carbon was approximately 531.16 mg g-1.