Abstract
In this study, sweet potato leaf activated carbon (SpLAC) was prepared by the chemical activation method using KOH and applied as an adsorbent for H2S removal from biogas. The study focused on the understanding of the effect of carbonization temperature (Tc), varying KOH : C activation ratio, flow rate (FR) of biogas, and mass of SpLAC on sample adsorption capacity. The BET analysis was performed for both fresh and spent activated carbons as well as for carbonized samples, which were not activated; also, the activated carbon was characterized by XRF and CHNS techniques. The results showed that removal efficiency (RE) of the SpLAC increased with increase carbonization temperature from 600 to 800°C and the mass of sorbent from 0.4 g to 1.0 g. The optimal test conditions were determined: 1.0 g of sorbent with a KOH : C ratio of 1 : 1, Tc=800°C, and FR=0.02 m3/h which resulted in a sorption capacity of about 3.7 g S/100 g of the SpLAC. Our findings corroborated that H2S removal was contributed not only by the adsorption process with the pore available but also by the presence of iron in the sample that reacted with H2S. Therefore, upon successful H2S sorption, SpLAC is suggested as a viable adsorbent for H2S removal from biogas.
Highlights
The world is striving to shift from the use of fossil fuel to renewable energy [1, 2]
The plant is having two digesters, digester 1 and digester 2, producing biogas composed of methane, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and hydrogen sulphide as shown in Table 1, whereby the quantity of constituents depends on the feedstock used in a particular day
We suggest micropores would be more pronounced at a higher KOH : C ratio than 1 : 1 that has been used as a maximum ratio in this study
Summary
The world is striving to shift from the use of fossil fuel to renewable energy [1, 2]. The resulting gas mixture, commonly known as biogas, is one of the best alternative energy sources; unlike fossil fuels, biogas is renewable, and its production does not cause environmental degradation. Hydrogen sulphide contained in biogas gives rise to a variety of problems, including health problems to human beings. It affects several systems in the human body, and it causes serious environmental concerns due to its corrosiveness [4]. Following the importance of biogas as a replacement to fossil fuels, it is essential to remove H2S from biogas before use [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
