New raw material for activated carbon. I. Methylene blue adsorption on activated carbon prepared from Khaya senegalensis fruits

Abstract

Activated carbons were prepared from Khaya senegalensis fruits. Carbonization and activation temperatures were 500°C and 800°C, respectively, at residence time of 5 min for each process. Activating agents were 1M each of NaCl, KCl, CaCl2, MgCl2.6H2O, Na2CO3 K2CO3 H2SO4, and ZnCI2. Particle size was 125 μm and adsorption studies were carried out using methylene blue in aqueous solution as adsorbate through fixed beds in micro columns. Equilibrium data were analyzed using adsorption intensity and capacity parameters from the Freundlich isotherms as well as breakthrough curves. Results were compared with performances of commercial animal charcoal and granular activated carbon. The results suggest that K. senegalensis fruits are suitable raw materials for producing activated carbons. The NaCI activated carbon has the best adsorption characteristics which are better than the commercial products.