The Effect of Demineralization Stage of Agar’s Solid Waste on the Characterization of Activated Carbon

Abstract

Agar’s solid waste contains quite high amount of crude fiber at 38.05%, so it can be used as activated carbon. Activated carbon is carbon whose configuration of carbon atoms is freed from bonding with other elements. The effectiveness of activated carbon as an adsorbent is seen from the ash content. High level of ash in a material can reduce the ability of activated carbon in the adsorption process, making it undesirable in the manufacture of activated charcoal. Demineralization using HCl solution can affect the decrease in ash content. This study used the experimental method of pre-post test and the analysis was carried out using the associated T-Test (paired T-Test). Pre-test was conducted using 0% HCl or without demineralization and Post-test was conducted using 5% HCl. Study results show that there is no effect on the characteristics of ash content, volatile substances, pure activated carbon, yield and there is effect on water content. It indicates that demineralization process using 5% HCl on the yet optimum material does not have tangible impact on the resulted ash content and characteristics of activated carbon.