Optimization of Preparation of Microwave Irradiated Bio-Based Materials as Porous Carbons for VOCs Removal Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

Effluents from various industries release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment which causes serious environmental problems. Coconut shell based porous carbons (CSPC) were synthesized with potassium hydroxide as activating agent for adsorption of Benzene and Toluene. Central composite design (CCD) method under the response surface methodology (RSM) of the Design expert software version 7.1.6. was employed in the optimization of the preparation conditions of the porous carbons. The effects of three preparation variables (i.e. microwave power, irradiation time and KOH impregnation ratio) on Benzene and Toluene adsorption were studied. Based on the CCD, quadratic models were developed to correlate the preparation variables to the responses (Benzene and Toluene adsorption). The influence of process parameters on the properties of CSPC was examined using analysis of variance (ANOVA) to identify the significant parameters. The optimum condition was obtained at microwave power of 500W; irradiation time 4mins; and 1.5 KOH impregnation ratio, which resulted in 84% of Benzene and 85% of Toluene respectively at 95% yield.