Synthesis and Characterization of Tamarind Seed Activated Carbon using Different Types of Activating Agents: A Comparison Study

Abstract

High quality of activated carbon (AC) was successfully produced from Tamarind seed (TS) via single and two steps chemical activation using ZnCl2, K2CO3 and KH2PO4 as chemical activators. The raw, char and synthesized ACs were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Sodium Thiosulphate (Na2S2O3) volumetric method and Scanning Electron Microscopy analyses. High percentage yield was shown by ZnCl2-AC (39.18 %) via single step chemical activation. ZnCl2-AC also showed high iodine number for both single step (883.22 mg/g) and two steps (987.94 mg/g). There are several functional groups given in raw, char and prepared ACs such as hydroxyl group (O-H), alkanes (C-H), aromatic (C=C) and ethers (C-O). SEM analysis proved the development of porous network occurred on the surface of synthesized ACs compared to raw and char. To conclude, two steps chemical activation showed higher porosity and high iodine number in comparison to ACs prepared through single step.