Synthesis of surfactant modified activated carbon (SMAC) from rice husks as Ni(II) and Cr(VI) adsorbent

Abstract

Research on the synthesis of surfactant modified activated carbon (SMAC) from rice husk, investigation of the amount of surfactant added, contact time of surfactant on activated carbon, and the optimum condition of Ni(II) and Cr(VI) adsorbed by SMAC has been done. The carbon-making process was carried out by pyrolysis method where the carbon was activated using KOH for its effectivity in forming new pores and enlarging the surface area so that it can be used as an adsorbent. The activated carbons that had adsorbed sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) surfactants would produce SMAC (Surfactant Modified Activated Carbon) with a more hydrophilic and negatively charged surface. SMAC can be applied as Ni(II) and Cr(VI) metal ion adsorbents. This research aims to determine the optimum KOH concentration for optimum activation process and optimum SLS concentration in the manufacture of SMAC, determining the adsorption efficiency of SLS surfactant by activated carbon in addition to determining the efficiency and the SMAC adsorption capacity of Ni(II) and Cr(VI). The results showed that the optimum concentration of KOH was 50%, the optimum concentration of SLS 60%, contact time was 4 hours and the adsorption efficiency was 99.69%. The adsorption efficiency of Ni(II) and Cr(VI)by SMAC were 95.96% and 99.49%, respectively.