Project Abstract

Abstract
This study presents a comparative analysis of activated carbon derived from corn cob using two different synthesis methods chemical activation and microwave activation. Activated carbon is a versatile material widely used in various environmental and industrial applications due to its high surface area and adsorption capacity. Corn cob, an agricultural waste product, was selected as the precursor for activated carbon production due to its abundance and potential for sustainable resource utilization. The chemical activation method involved impregnating the corn cob with an activating agent, potassium hydroxide (KOH), followed by carbonization at high temperatures. In contrast, the microwave activation method utilized microwave irradiation during the carbonization process to enhance the activation of the material. The activated carbons produced by both methods were characterized using various analytical techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results of the study revealed that the microwave-synthesized activated carbon exhibited a higher surface area and pore volume compared to the chemically synthesized activated carbon. This can be attributed to the rapid and localized heating effect of microwaves, which promotes the development of pores within the carbon structure. The SEM images showed differences in the morphology of the activated carbons, with the microwave-synthesized sample displaying a more porous and interconnected structure. Furthermore, the FTIR analysis indicated functional groups present on the surface of the activated carbons, with differences observed between the two synthesis methods. The microwave-synthesized activated carbon exhibited a greater abundance of oxygen-containing functional groups, which can enhance its adsorption capabilities. Overall, this comparative study provides valuable insights into the influence of synthesis methods on the properties of activated carbon derived from corn cob. The microwave activation method offers a promising alternative for the production of activated carbon with superior textural properties, highlighting the potential for sustainable and efficient utilization of agricultural waste materials in carbon-based applications.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Activated carbon, also widely known as activated charcoal or activated coal is a form of carbon which has been processed to make it extremely porous and thus to have a very large surface area available for adsorption or chemical reactions (Mattson et al., 1971). The word active is sometimes used in place of activated. It is characterized by high degree of micro porosity. A gram of activated carbon can have a surface area in excess of 500 m2. Sufficient activation for useful applications may come solely from the high surface area, though further chemical treatment generally enhances the adsorbing properties of the material. Activated carbon is most commonly derived from charcoal.

Waste biomass is getting increasing attention all over the world for activated carbon development as it is renewable, widely available, cheap and environmentally friendly resource. The common method of development is thermochemical (Kumar et al., 2005). The main concern is the removal of chemical component by adsorption from the liquid or gas phase (Bansal et al.,1988).