Abstract
AbstractAdsorbents produced from the reuse of pressed palm fibres, a residue derived from the palm oil extraction process, are an alternative to commercial adsorbents for the removal of β‐carotene from crude palm oil. Two adsorbents produced by the pyrolysis of pressed palm fibres were analyzed, where one was chemically activated with phosphoric acid and the other was not activated. Under the conditions studied, biochar activated with phosphoric acid presented an adsorption capacity of 2.99 mg g−1 and 86% β‐carotene removal. The results of kinetic tests indicated that the pseudo‐second order (PSO) model revealed the best fit to the experimental data. The isothermal curves suggested the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) model adjusted better for the isotherms of 30, 40, and 50°C, while the Freundlich model was the one that best described the isotherm of 60°C. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous, favourable, and endothermic. Furthermore, the activated biochar showed a significant reduction in phosphorus content, indicating an alternative to commercial adsorbents (bleaching earths) traditionally used in the crude palm oil refining process, while also aligning with the principles of the circular economy. Analyses were carried out to characterize the adsorbent material and quantify the oil quality parameters.
Published Version
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