Nature and adsorption capacity of banana leaf rim carbon

Abstract

The activated charcoal (AC) was synthesized from banana leaf rim (BLR) through three activation methods; physical (BLRC), chemical (Z BLRC, zinc chloride) and microwave activation (MW BLRC). The AC was characterized using fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) & Differential thermogravimetric analysis (DTA) instrument and Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The Z BLRC has better thermal stability and adsorbent character compared with BLRC or MW BLRC. The present work is confined to an investigation on the adsorption process of Malachite green dye onto BLRC, Z BLRC & MW BLRC. Factors affecting adsorption process were studied and results that adsorption increases with concentration of dye, agitation time and temperature. This experimental data satisfied the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. Second order kinetics holds good for the present adsorption process. Thermodynamic parameters were (ΔH‡, ΔS‡ & ΔG‡) evaluated. Based on the characterization and adsorption experimental result it may be concluded that Z BLRC has better adsorption capacity than BLRC or MW BLRC.