Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Jute Stick by Chemical Activation: Comparison of Different Activating Agents

Abstract

Activated carbons were prepared from jute stick by chemical activation using ZnCl2, H3PO4, and H2SO4. The influence of activating agents and carbonization temperatures ranging from 300oC ~ 350oC were studied. The properties of the carbons were characterized by iodine adsorption and the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) method. The results of iodine tests showed resemblance close to the values found in literature 500~1200 (mg/g). FTIR results revealed the existence of O-H, C=O, C=C, C-O and C-H bonds.