Optimization of activation temperature on the preparation of sliced porous activated carbon from date fronds by physical activation

Abstract

Saudi Arabia is the major date producer in the world. In order to get the maximum production from date tree there is a need to prune the trees on annual basis and is considered as a serious environmental threat. The single step procedure for the synthesis of porous activated carbon (AC) from Saudi date tree fronds using mixture of gases (N2 and CO2) was carried out at different carbonization/activation temperatures staring from 700?C to 1000?C at a ramp rate of 10 degree per minute. Alloy 330 horizontal reactor was used in tube furnace. Flow rate of N2 and CO2 gases were kept at 150 and 50ml/min respectively. Results reveal that at 850oC larger surface area was achieved and can offer higher potential to produce activated carbon of greater adsorption capacity from date fronds waste. The BET surface areas of the activated carbons prepared at 850?C after 30 minutes activation time are 1094 m2/g.nema