Two Step Synthesis and Application of Porous Carbon for Removal of Copper (II) from Wastewater: Statistical Optimization and Equilibrium Isotherm Analysis

Authors

  • Shobana Sinniha Nanotechnology and Catalysis Research Center, University of Malaya, 50603 Malaysia
  • Zaira Zaman Chowdhury Nanotechnology and Catalysis Research Center, University of Malaya, 50603 Malaysia
  • Ahmad Ibn Ibrahimy Department of Statistics and Finance, University of Malaya, 50603 Malaysia
  • Mostak Ahmed Nanotechnology and Catalysis Research Center, University of Malaya, 50603 Malaysia
  • Mohd. Rafie Bin Johan Nanotechnology and Catalysis Research Center, University of Malaya, 50603 Malaysia
  • Mayeen Uddin Khandaker Applied Physics and Radiation Technologies Group CCDCU, School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Selangor, Malaysia; Faculty of Graduate Studies, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
  • Irfan Anjum Badaruddin Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
  • Sarfaraz Kamangar Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
  • Mohamed Hussien Department of Chemistry, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia

Keywords:

Hydrothermal carbonization, Adsorption, Box Behnken Design, Analysis of variance, Isotherm

Abstract

In this study, activated carbon (ACs) adsorbent was synthesized using the lignocellulosic waste (LCB) seed from Adansonia digitata L. (BSP) using two steps of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) followed by activation. The hydrothermally produced char of BSP was activated to produce porous activated carbon BSPAC, where K2CO3 was used as a chemical activating agent. Box Behnken Design was used to optimize the input variables of pyrolysis temperature (A1), residence time (B1), and ratio (C1) for the pyrolysis process. Removal percentage (β1), percentage carbon yield (β2), and fixed carbon (β3) percentage were chosen as output responses. The analysis of variance was utilized to generate appropriate mathematical models with subsequent statistical analysis. Physiochemical characterizations were carried out for the hydrothermally carbonized sample (BSPC) and the optimized activated sample (BSPAC).  Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin models were employed to estimate the isotherm model parameters. The results demonstrated that HTC with subsequent mild activation using K2CO3 can be considered as a greener route to obtain better-quality porous carbon having surface area of 599 m2/gm for removal of Cu(II) cations from wastewater.

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Published

2024-04-25

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 2 (2024)

Section

Research Article or Brief Communication