Optimization of preparation conditions for activated carbon from Prosopis africana seed hulls using response surface methodology

Abstract

AbstractOptimal conditions for the preparation of Prosopis africana seed hulls-based activated carbon (PASH-AC) for removal of 4-chloro-2-methoxyphenol (4C2MP) from aqueous solution were investigated. The PASH-AC was prepared using physiochemical activation method which involved sodium acetate (CH3COONa) treatment and carbon dioxide (CO2) gasification. Central composite design (CCD) was used to study the effects of three preparation variables which were activation temperature, activation time, and impregnation ratio (IR) on the 4C2MP removal and Prosopis africana seed hulls (PASH)-derived activated carbon yield (PASH-AC yield). Based on the CCD, two quadratic models were developed for both PASH-AC yield and 4C2MP removal. The optimum conditions for preparing activated carbon from PASH for the removal of 4C2MP were found as follows: activation temperature of 795°C, activation time of 62 min, and IR of 2.45 showing PASH-AC yield of 20.01% and 4C2MP removal of 92.89%. The experimental results obtained agreed...