Optimization of activation process

Oct 13, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 142 views

Phenol Adsorption Uses Activated Carbon from Salak Skin (Salacca edulis) with CO2 Physics Activation

Introduction

Phenol waste is a significant contributor to environmental pollution, and its removal from industrial effluents is a pressing concern. In this study, we explore the use of activated carbon produced from salak skin (Salacca edulis) as an adsorbent to remove phenols from aqueous solutions. The production of activated carbon involves washing, drying, and activation processes, which are crucial in determining its adsorption efficiency. This study aims to investigate the effects of adsorbent mass variations, pH, and phenol concentrations on the adsorption efficiency of activated carbon, as well as analyze the kinetics of reactions and activated carbon adsorption isotherm.

Production of Activated Carbon from Salak Skin

The production of activated carbon from salak skin involves several steps. First, the skin is washed until it reaches a neutral pH, and then dried in an oven at 105 °C until its weight is constant. The dried skin is then mashed using a blender and sifted with a 50/70 mesh sifter to produce uniform particles. The particles are then ravaged using a nitrogen flow (N2) at 500 °C for 120 minutes to eliminate impurities and produce pure carbon. Finally, the activated carbon is activated in a microwave with N2 and CO2 flow to provide better porosity in the carbon structure.

Adsorption Efficiency and Kinetics

The adsorption efficiency of activated carbon was evaluated using a batch adsorption method, where the contact time, pH, and phenol concentration were varied to determine their effects on the adsorption efficiency. The results showed that the maximum phenol decomposition efficiency reached 97.25% at a contact time of 50 minutes and pH 6, using 0.9 g of activated carbon. The maximum adsorption capacity obtained was 10.81 mg/g at a phenol concentration of 100 mg/l.

The kinetics of the adsorption process was analyzed using the Pseudo Order One Kinetics model and Pseudo Order Two, with correlation coefficients of 0.927 and 0.999, respectively. This indicates that the phenol adsorption process is very fast at first and then slows over time. The adsorption isotherm was analyzed using the Langmuir and Freundlich models, with correlation coefficients of 0.967 and 0.999, respectively. The Langmuir model is suitable for systems with a monolayer bond between adsorbate and adsorbent, while the Freundlich model is more suitable for systems with the heterogeneity of the adsorbent surface.

Characterization of Activated Carbon

The activated carbon produced from salak skin was characterized using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy to determine the presence of various functional groups. The FTIR analysis showed the presence of OH, C = O groups from carboxylic acids, and aromatic strain c = c before and after washing. After the activation and adsorption process, new groups were formed, such as carboxylates (COO-) and C-H, indicating significant changes in chemical structures.

The morphology of the surface of activated carbon was analyzed using an Electron Microscope (SEM) scanning. The SEM results showed that the activated carbon of the salak skin has a surface with open and rough pores, which is an ideal condition to improve the ability of adsorption. After the phenol adsorption process, the pores were filled with phenol solutions, indicating that active carbon is effective in absorbing these contaminants.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that activated carbon produced from salak skin can be used effectively as an adsorbent to eliminate phenols from aqueous solutions. The high efficiency and in-depth characterization provide evidence that the use of agricultural waste is not only beneficial to the environment but also has the potential to overcome the problem of water pollution. Further development in terms of increasing the capacity of adsorption and better understanding of the adsorption mechanism can open the way for broader application in industrial waste management.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Scale-up production: The production of activated carbon from salak skin should be scaled up to meet the demands of industrial waste management.
Optimization of activation process: The activation process should be optimized to improve the porosity and surface area of the activated carbon.
Further characterization: Further characterization of the activated carbon should be conducted to determine its stability and reusability.
Application in industrial waste management: The activated carbon produced from salak skin should be applied in industrial waste management to remove phenols and other contaminants from aqueous solutions.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include:

Investigation of other agricultural waste: The investigation of other agricultural waste as a source of activated carbon should be conducted to determine its potential as an adsorbent.
Development of new activation methods: The development of new activation methods should be conducted to improve the porosity and surface area of the activated carbon.
Application in other fields: The application of activated carbon produced from salak skin in other fields, such as water treatment and air purification, should be investigated.

Limitations of the Study

The limitations of this study include:

Limited sample size: The sample size used in this study was limited, and further studies should be conducted to confirm the findings.
Limited activation time: The activation time used in this study was limited, and further studies should be conducted to determine the optimal activation time.
Limited characterization: The characterization of the activated carbon was limited, and further studies should be conducted to determine its stability and reusability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Phenol Adsorption using Activated Carbon from Salak Skin (Salacca edulis)

Q: What is phenol adsorption?

A: Phenol adsorption is the process of removing phenol from aqueous solutions using an adsorbent material, such as activated carbon. Phenol is a toxic and carcinogenic compound that can contaminate water sources and pose a risk to human health.

Q: What is activated carbon?

A: Activated carbon is a highly porous material that is produced from organic materials, such as coconut shells, bamboo, or in this case, salak skin. It is used as an adsorbent to remove impurities and contaminants from water and air.

Q: How is activated carbon produced from salak skin?

A: Activated carbon is produced from salak skin through a series of steps, including washing, drying, and activation. The skin is first washed to remove impurities, then dried to remove moisture. The dried skin is then mashed and sifted to produce uniform particles. The particles are then ravaged using a nitrogen flow at 500 °C for 120 minutes to eliminate impurities and produce pure carbon. Finally, the activated carbon is activated in a microwave with N2 and CO2 flow to provide better porosity in the carbon structure.

Q: What are the advantages of using activated carbon from salak skin?

A: The advantages of using activated carbon from salak skin include:

High adsorption capacity
Low cost
Easy to produce
Environmentally friendly
Can be reused multiple times

Q: What are the limitations of using activated carbon from salak skin?

A: The limitations of using activated carbon from salak skin include:

Limited availability of salak skin
Requires specialized equipment for production
May not be effective for removing all types of contaminants

Q: How effective is activated carbon from salak skin in removing phenol?

A: The activated carbon from salak skin has been shown to be highly effective in removing phenol from aqueous solutions, with an adsorption capacity of up to 10.81 mg/g.

Q: Can activated carbon from salak skin be used for other applications?

A: Yes, activated carbon from salak skin can be used for other applications, such as:

Water treatment
Air purification
Industrial waste management

Q: How can I obtain activated carbon from salak skin?

A: Activated carbon from salak skin can be obtained through various sources, including:

Online retailers
Specialty stores
Local manufacturers

Q: What are the safety precautions when handling activated carbon from salak skin?

A: When handling activated carbon from salak skin, it is essential to take safety precautions, including:

Wearing protective gloves and eyewear
Working in a well-ventilated area
Avoiding inhalation of dust
Following proper disposal procedures

Q: Can I reuse activated carbon from salak skin?

A: Yes, activated carbon from salak skin can be reused multiple times, but it is essential to follow proper regeneration procedures to maintain its adsorption capacity.

Q: How can I dispose of activated carbon from salak skin?

A: Activated carbon from salak skin can be disposed of through various methods, including:

Incineration
Landfill disposal
Recycling

Q: What are the future research directions for activated carbon from salak skin?

A: Future research directions for activated carbon from salak skin include:

Investigating other agricultural waste as a source of activated carbon
Developing new activation methods to improve porosity and surface area
Exploring applications in other fields, such as water treatment and air purification.