Preparation of activated carbon from palm kernel shell by chemical activation and its application for β-carotene adsorption in crude palm oil

Abstract

The losses of β-carotene in crude palm oil (CPO) during bleaching process in the industry of oleo chemical bring apprehension because β-carotene is the most important vitamin A precursor that can helps to prevent night blindness, eye problems and skin disorders, and could enhance immunity and protects against toxins, colds, flu and infections.Yet, recovery of β-carotene can be done by adsorption using activated carbon. Accordingly, the study aimed to prepare activated carbon from palm kernel shell (PKSAC) by chemical activation and its application for β-carotene adsorption in CPO has been examined. Activation of palm kernel shell carbon was done chemically using Zinc Chloride (ZnCl2) at impregnation ratio of 1:1 mass basis for 24 hours and carbonization was done at 500 °C for 30 min, 60 min, 90 min respectively called as PKSAC30, PKSAC60 and PKSAC90. PKSAC are characterized using ultimate analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The capability of PKSAC to adsorb β-carotene was studied using n-hexane as a solvent. β-carotene adsorption test was carried out in a lab-scale batch adsorption reactor. SEM and FTIR analysis result revealed the PKSAC has fibrous morphology and indicates that raw PKS was successfully converted to carbon after activation process and was proven by spectra of previous researchers. For adsorption testing, PKSAC90 give the highest percentage removal of β-carotene, 69%.