Preparation of phosphoric acid activated carbons from Canarium Schweinfurthii Nutshell and its role in methylene blue adsorption

Abstract

Activated carbons were prepared by phosphoric acid activation of Canarium Schweinfurthii spent nutshell. The activation conditions for particles with average diameter of 2.36 mm, conducted in nitrogen chamber, were evaluated at 40 and 60% acid concentration, substrate/activating agent (impregnation) ratio of 1:1 to 1:4, activation time of 20 to 60 min and temperatures of 200 and 400°C. The results showed that the yield, BET surface area and adsorption capacities of activated carbon produced increased with impregnation ratio, activation time and temperatures. The activated carbon obtained using 1:4 impregnation ratios at 60 min with 40 wt% acid solution have BET surface area and adsorption capacity of 741 m2/g and 8.5 gMB/g Carbon while those for 60wt% acid solution were determined as 779 m2/g and 9.2 gMB/g Carbon, respectively.