Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Sugarcane bagasse is a widely available agricultural waste material with the potential to be converted into value-added products like activated carbon. This research project aims to produce and characterize activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse using a thermal activation method. The process involves the pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse at high temperatures followed by activation using a suitable activating agent. The produced activated carbon will be characterized using various analytical techniques to assess its physical and chemical properties. The thermal method of producing activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse offers several advantages, including environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness. By utilizing sugarcane bagasse, a significant amount of agricultural waste can be diverted from landfills and converted into a useful product. Activated carbon is a versatile material with applications in various industries, including water treatment, air purification, and energy storage. Characterization of the activated carbon will involve analyzing its surface area, pore structure, surface functional groups, and thermal stability. Techniques such as Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy will be employed to investigate the properties of the produced activated carbon. Understanding these characteristics is essential for determining the suitability of the activated carbon for specific applications. The research project will also explore the optimization of the activation process parameters to enhance the quality of the activated carbon. Factors such as activation temperature, activation time, and activating agent concentration will be investigated to determine their effects on the properties of the activated carbon. By optimizing these parameters, it is possible to tailor the characteristics of the activated carbon to meet the requirements of different applications. Overall, this research project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of producing high-quality activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse using a thermal method. The utilization of agricultural waste for activated carbon production aligns with the principles of sustainability and resource efficiency. The findings of this study will contribute to the development of sustainable waste management practices and the production of value-added materials from agricultural residues.

Thesis Overview

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Activated carbon also called activated charcoal is a carbonaceous, highly porous adsorptive medium that has a complex structure which comprises primarily of carbon atoms. The activated carbons are channels created within a rigid, skeleton of disordered layers of carbon atoms, linked together by chemical bonds, stacked unevenly, creating a highly porous structure of nooks, crannies, cracks and crevices between the carbon layers. (Sheffler, 1996).

Activated carbon are manufactured from lignocellulose materials (the combination of lignin and cellulose in the structural cells of woody plants), coal, petroleum coke, coconut shell, sugarcane bagasse and other agricultural materials. (Girgis and Ishak, 1999). Activation by different method or high temperature mechanisms are used in the production of activated carbons from these raw materials.

The intrinsic pore network in the lattice structure of activated carbons allows the removal of impurities from gaseous and liquid media through a mechanism referred to as adsorption. (Larteet al., 1999). Activated carbon is mainly available in three forms namely powdered, granular and extruded form and each form is available in many sizes, Based upon the application and requirements.

The importance of activated carbon to an ever growing society cannot be over emphasized considering its enormous uses. Its uses ranges from liquid phase to gaseous-phase applications in domestic, commercial, health care centers and industrial settings. (Hassler, 1963).

In many water treatment applications, activated carbon has proved to be the least expensive treatment option. One of the major attributes of activated carbon treatment is its ability to remove a wide variety of toxic organic compounds to non-detectible levels (99.9%). (Mendez et al, 2006).

The basic method of producing activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse are the physical and chemical methods. Both methods can combine in efforts to produce higher surface area. (Baksi et al., 2006).

1.2 Research Problem Statement

Sugarcane bagasse is a waste material constituting an environmental problem. The material is found to indiscriminately liter most cities in the northern Nigeria. However, it can be put into proper use by treating and transforming it. Preparation of activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse using thermal method will go a long way to solving the environmental problem constituted by the sugarcane bagasse and it could also be a major research guide in the study of activated carbon.

1.3 Aim and Objectives

The aim of this research is to produce and characterize activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse by thermal method. The objectives of this research are as follows;

ü To investigate the effect of temperature on the quality of the activated carbon produced.

ü To characterize the activated carbon produced.

1.4 Scope

The scope of the research work includes

·       To investigate the effect of temperature from 500, 550 and 600oc on the quality of the activated carbon produced.

·       To analyze the activated carbon through FTIR and proximate analysis.

·       Preparation of activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse.

·       Characterization of activated carbon produced from sugarcane bagasse.

1.5 Relevance of the Research

a)   Utilization of available raw materials and waste materials.

b)   Creation of job opportunity.

c)   Generation of revenue.

1.6 Justification

Sugarcane bagasse is a locally available raw material which is not expensive but has a great effect in the production of activated carbon. The method of production is safe and easy.