Innovative Activated Carbon Based on Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) and H3PO4

Abstract

In this present work, a novel method for synthesis of palm kernel shell activated carbon was established using DES (choline chloride/urea)/H3PO4 as the activating agent. The pore characterization, morphology, and adsorption properties of the activated carbons were investigated. The activated carbon samples made from the same feedstock at two pyrolysis temperatures (500 and 600 °C) were compared for their ability to adsorb Pb(II) in aqueous solution. The results demonstrated that the production of the activated carbon and adsorptive properties were significantly influenced by the pyrolysis temperature and the ratio of precursor to activating agent. DES/H3PO4 activated carbon (having surface area 1413 m2/g and total pore volume 0.6181 cm3/g) demonstrated good Pb(II) removal. Although all the tested activated carbon samples adsorbed Pb(II) from aqueous solution, they demonstrated different adsorption capabilities according to their various properties. The pyrolysis temperature, however, showed little influence on the activated carbon adsorption of Pb(II) when compared to the impregnation ratio. Their good desorption performance perhaps resulted from the porous structure.