Development and Characterization of Mesoporous Activated Carbon From Cassia fistula Waste

Abstract

Waste derived from the Cassia fistula tree, including pods, leaves and bark, was used as a starting material for the synthesis of mesoporous activated carbon (M-AC) through a single-step chemical activation process. Characterization of the samples was confirmed by using SEM, XRD, BET, FTIR and EDX analysis. The porosity of M-AC was confirmed using FTIR and SEM. EDX confirmed that the samples have high carbon content, approximately 60%, and are free from impurities. SEM analysis confirmed that M-AC exhibits heterogeneous morphology with a globular porous surface. XRD analysis confirmed the amorphous nature of M-AC. BET analysis confirmed that the maximum specific surface area of activated carbon was obtained at 1120 m2/g at an impregnation ratio (ZnCl2 solution/C. fistula pods) of 2:1 and a carbonization temperature of 600°C. M-ACP exhibits a total pore volume of 0.90 cm3/g and an average pore size of 4.7 nm.