Production and optimization of NaCl-activated carbon from mango seed using response surface methodology

Abstract

Granular activated carbon (AC) produced from mango seed husk through chemical activation with NaCl has potential application in adsorption cooling system. The study investigated the relationship among process parameters and effects on physicochemical and functional properties of AC. Production conditions were optimized using response surface methodology for impregnation ratio (0.25, 0.5, and 0.75), soaking time (2 h, 4 h, and 6 h), and activation temperature (400 °C, 450 °C, and 500 °C). Surface area, ash content, and bulk density were response variables. The AC was produced with comparable quality to commercial AC. Impregnation ratio, soaking time, and carbonization temperature, but not their interaction, had significant effects (p < 0.05) on AC surface area, ash content, and bulk density. Optimum production conditions for soaking time, impregnation ratio, and carbonization temperature were 4 h, 0.25, and 500 °C, respectively, which gave BET surface area, ash content, and bulk density of 415 m2 g−1, 6.92%, and 243 kg m−3, respectively.