An investigation on the characterization of activated carbon from areca leaves and their adsorption nature towards different dyes

In this study activated carbon is produced from areca plant leaves, an agricultural waste material. The physical and chemical structural characterisation of the prepared carbon was carried out by FTIR, TGA and XRD analysis. FTIR study showed the presence of several functional groups, such as C=O, C=C, OH, NH on the surface of the activated carbon. To determine the adsorption efficiency, studies were carried out using cationic and anionic dyes and it was found to be dependent on contact time, temperature and concentration of the solution. The experimental data obtained were correlated with the Langmuir, Freundlich isotherm model. Kinetic data were obtained using second order rate equation. Probable mechanism of adsorption process with the dyes was analysed. As the prepared carbon is cost efficient, abundant and has high uptake capacity, it can be used as an adsorbent for fresh water or waste water treatment. It could be considered as promising material for the removal of dyes.