Project Abstract

Abstract
The production and characterization of activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse by thermal method were investigated in this study. Sugarcane bagasse, a waste material from the sugarcane industry, was used as the precursor for activated carbon production due to its high cellulose content and availability. The thermal method involved the pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse at elevated temperatures followed by activation with a chemical agent. The produced activated carbon was characterized using various analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The SEM images revealed a porous structure with a high surface area, which is essential for adsorption applications. The BET surface area analysis confirmed the high surface area of the activated carbon, indicating its potential for effective adsorption. The FTIR analysis provided information on the functional groups present on the activated carbon surface, such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl groups, which are important for adsorption processes. The TGA analysis showed the thermal stability of the activated carbon, indicating its suitability for various applications requiring high-temperature stability. The adsorption performance of the activated carbon was evaluated using methylene blue as a model organic pollutant. The adsorption studies demonstrated the high adsorption capacity of the activated carbon due to its porous structure and high surface area. The adsorption isotherm and kinetic studies revealed that the adsorption process followed a monolayer adsorption mechanism and was relatively fast, reaching equilibrium within a short time. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate the successful production and characterization of activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse by the thermal method. The activated carbon exhibited excellent adsorption properties, making it a promising material for various environmental and industrial applications. The utilization of sugarcane bagasse as a precursor for activated carbon production not only provides a sustainable solution for waste management but also offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to conventional activated carbon materials.

Project 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.