Optimization Process for Producing Mesopores Activated Carbon Based on Hevea Brasiliensis Seed Coat Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

The conditions for the preparation of rubber (hevea brasiliensis) seed coat based activated carbon (RSCAC) treated with NaOH were optimized through response surface methodology (RSM). The effects of three preparation variables: the activation temperature, activation time and NaOH impregnation ratio (IR) on Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) removal from aqueous solutions and RSCAC yield were investigated. Based on the RSM, two quadratic models were respectively developed to correlate the preparation variables to the RBBR percentage removal and carbon yield. The significant factors on each experimental design response were identified from the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimum conditions for RSCAC preparation were obtained by using activation temperature of 700 °C, activation time of 1.0 h and IR of 1.0, which resulted in 70.82% of RBBR removal and 24.93% of RSCAC yield.