Removal of methylene blue by adsorption onto activated carbons produced from agricultural wastes by microwave induced KOH activation

Abstract

The present study aims to describe new low cost activated carbons which were prepared from bean peel (BP), acorn peel (AP) and Pistacia lentiscus (PL) under microwave induced KOH chemical activation for the removal of methylene blue dye from aqueous solutions. Activated carbons were characterized using, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The adsorption properties were examined considering several parameters including the effect of pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage and initial concentration. Activated carbons powders prepared from BP, AP and PL can be used as an eco-efficient and low-cost adsorbent for removing methylene blue dye from aqueous solution by adsorption process.