Effect of Sonication Time on Characteristics of Synthesized Silica Aerogel Activated Carbon Nanocomposite Based on Bagasse Ash

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to identify the effect of sonication time on the characteristics of silica aerogel activated carbon (SA-AC) nanocomposite produced based on bagasse ash. SA-AC nanocomposites was synthesized by sol-gel method at ambient pressure. The silicic acid solution was mixed with activated carbon and the surface modifying agent (TMCS and HDMS). The mixture was then put in an ultrasonic bath at the varying sonication time of 5, 10, 15, and 20 seconds on frequency of 42 kHz. SA-AC nanocomposites were characterized by using FTIR, SEM, and BET. The results showed that SA-AC is formed, indicated by the wave number FTIR spectra of Si-O-Si (1076.28 cm-1), Si-C (1253.73 cm-1), C-H (2960.73 cm-1), C-O (1087.85 cm-1), C=C (2113.98 cm-1), and C=O (1942.32 cm-1). SA-AC nanocomposites synthesized by sonication assistence has a smaller agglomerate than that of without sonication. The largest surface area of SA-AC nanocomposite of 677.719 m2/g and the biggest pore volume of 0.6338 m3/g is obtained when the nanocomposite is synthesized at sonication time of 10 seconds.