Influence of activation temperature and acid concentration on sludge-based activated carbon

Abstract

In this work, the influence of operational parameters on activation process of POME sludge is presented. The POME sludge undergone processing steps including cutting and grinding. Then, the sample was carbonized at 400°C for 1 hours and followed by chemical activation process. The chemical activation process was carried out by impregnated with 25 wt% of phosphoric acid with impregnation ratios of 1:4 (w/w) for 24 h. After 24 h, the sample was filtrated and dried overnight in the oven. The sample then pyrolyzed at different temperature (500°C to 800°C) for 1 hour for activation and followed by washing. Based on the BET analysis, the activated carbon prepared under highest activation temperature as well as highest phosphoric acid concentration resulted in biggest surface area (186.46 m2/g). Therefore, activation temperature and acid concentration are the important parameters determining the activated carbon quality.