Preparation and Characterization of Biochar from Palm Kernel Shells as an Activated Carbon Precursors with the Pyrolysis Method

: In this study the preparation of biochar from palm kernel shells was carried out by the pyrolysis method. Characterization of biochar is done by using FTIR, XRD, SEM EDX, and DSC / TGA. Based on the results of measurements with FTIR, functional group stretching vibration of O-H and C-C stretching was obtained. The surface of biochar looks rough with irregular pore diameter size. From the SEM analysis, it was obtained that the pore diameter ranged from 625.3 nm - 870.9 nm, while the EDX results showed the carbon content at biochar was 84.93%. The results of the TGA / DSC analysis show that biochar loses weight due to the release of water during heating and in the carbon decomposition phase. From the results of the characterization, it can be concluded that biochar derived from the results of the pyrolysis process with the raw material of palm kernel shell is very good to be used as an activated carbon precursor.