Pineapple Stalk-Based Synthesized Activated Carbon for Effective Adsorption of Hexavalent Chromium in Aqueous Solutions

Abstract

World industrial expansion fueled significant economic growth. Environmental deterioration is currently the main cause for concern. Human health is negatively impacted by the heavy metals in the waste water. The methods and their costs are more important in this heavy metal removal. The main method for getting rid of heavy metals like chrome, lead, nickel, etc. is adsorption. This study proposes a novel approach of eliminating hexavalent chromium since treatment methodologies need for creative, low-cost solutions. A straight method of activation including treatment with NaOH solution was utilized to produce activated carbon (ACs) with nanopores from pineapple stalk fruit waste. The NaOH solution reagent used for activation was easily cleared from the pre-treated pineapple stalks for recycling, which significantly reduced pollution during the carbonization process. The shape and arrangement of the ACs were assessed using SEM and FT-IR. The created adsorbent was employed in a batch adsorption procedure to remove Cr (VI). We further investigated the effect of the NaOH solution absorption on the structure, shape, and performance of the synthesized ACs in terms of Cr (VI) removal. According to the results of the characterization, treating the pineapple stalks with a NaOH solution removed some functional groups and resulted in the creation of micro-meso porous structures. At a dose of 1.0 g/ 100 mL and a pH of 6.3, the greatest adsorption capacity of the PSAC produced by triggering with 4% NaOH solution was 7.4 mg g-1, and the ACs displayed exceptional Cr (VI) adsorption ability.