Pore-making strategy of bagasse-based heteroatom-doped porous carbon in chromium adsorbents

Abstract

To enhance the utility of bagasse and increase its value, this study prepared bagasse-based activated carbon (ACUP) using a novel urea phosphate (UP) activator. The preparation involved a one-step activation and functionalization process under varying impregnation ratios and activation times. The resulting ACUP was characterized, and its specific surface areas and yields were compared between direct and two-step activation methods. The study also examined the impact of adsorption conditions on Cr(VI) removal performance. Findings revealed that the one-step method yielded activated carbon with high adsorption capacity (138.42 mg/g) and removal rate (79.45 %) for Cr(VI). The duration of activation time significantly influenced the adsorption capacity. These ACUP materials show great potential for practical Cr(VI) removal applications.