THE ADSORPTION PERFORMANCE and CHARACTERIZATION of THE ACTIVATED CARBON PRODUCED FROM PEPPER STALKS

Abstract

This study presented the evaluation of the adsorption of Eriochrome Black T (EBT) on the activated carbon (trH-BS) produced from pepper stalk by activating with 50% phosphoric acid solution (H3PO4) and then by carbonizing at 650 oC for 30 min. in atmosphere of nitrogen (N2) was presented. The isotherm of trH-BS was Type IV, representing micro, meso and macroporous structures. The micropore volume and micropore surface area values of trH-BS were 0.39 cc/g and 1107.294 m2/g, respectively. Also, its meso and macropores had a volume of about 15-17 cc/g and an average surface area of 400 m2/g. The adsorption energy was 18.156 kJ/mol and the BET surface area was 756.257 m2/g. The structure of trH-BS was clarified structurally and morphologically and the formations like nano rod were seen at Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images. By using trH-BS, the adsorption of EBT from the aqueous medium was investigated using 5 different parameters. As a result, it was found that the adsorbents obtained from pepper stalks are suitable for use in EBT adsorption with a ratio of about 50% under suitable conditions.