Characteristics and performance analysis of activated carbons derived from different precursors and activators for waste water adsorption

Abstract

Domestic waste such as methylene blue from the dyeing process and detergent from laundry activities are sources of water pollution. Before being dumped into the water, this waste must be minimized. One approach that can be utilized is the adsorption method with activated carbon. To generate activated carbon with the properties required for this purpose, an appropriate precursor and manufacturing conditions must be chosen. The objective of this research is to investigate the characteristics and performance of activated carbon derived from various precursors (Petung and Santong bamboos) and activators (Ar, N2, and CO2) for detergent and methylene blue dye adsorption. The difficulty to be solved is determining the best precursor and activator for maximum methyl blue and detergent adsorption. Characterizations included FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, and adsorption isotherm testing. The study's findings show that activated carbons have functional groups O-H (hydroxyl), C-H (aldehydes and alkenes), C=C aromatic rings, C-H aromatic groups, and an amorphous structure. The presence of a porous and amorphous structure, as well as the C=C aromatic ring, makes activated carbons capable of absorbing methyl blue and detergent. Santong bamboo-activated carbon activated with argon has the best characteristics and adsorption capability. This activated carbon has a fixed carbon content of 76.34 %, pore volumes of 0.362 cc/g, average pore widths of 1.967 nm, pore surface area of 291.487 m2/g, bimodal pore size distribution, and methylene blue and detergent adsorption capabilities of 19.733 cc/g and 1.689 cc/g, respectively. The results obtained are on a laboratory scale, which necessitates additional research, particularly on how to create reservoirs and regenerate activated carbon simply and affordably