Production and Characterization of Active Carbon from Epicarp of Balanite Aegyptiaca and Detarium Mirocarpum Shells

Abstract

Activated carbon was produced from Epicarp of Balanite aegyptiaca and Detarium mirocarpum shells with ZnCl₂ and H₃PO₄ as activating agents. The amount of Lignin and cellulose in the raw Balanite aegyptiaca shell were determined and found to be 30.12% and 10.40% respectively, while its content in Detarium microcarpum seed-shell was 20.40% and 26.42% respectively. The % of carbon yield generally decreases as temperature of activation increases. The % yield of the carbon followed this order; ACBAZC > ACBAPA > ACDMZC > ACDMPA, while the SEM Micrographs shows the structural morphology of the carbon pores. The BET Surface area of ACDMPA, ACDMZC, CAC, ACBAPA and ACBAZC determined were 857.99m²/g, 799.43m²/g, 785.35m²/g, 774.76m²/g and 555.73m²/g respectively, which are within the standard range of notable commercial activated carbon. The FTIR absorption peaks were observed in both precursors and the activated carbon produced. On the process of activation, new peaks were identified on the carbon, which were not in the precursors. There was no any functional group identified on the surface of commercial activated carbon. The characteristics property of the carbon shows that the adsorbent possessed good qualities when compared with standard commercial activated carbon. The carbon produced is highly recommended for water and wastewater treatment.