Characterization of candlenut shell activated carbon based on the reflux method in H3PO4 solution.

Recently, support has been provided for the investigation of novel materials derived from discarded candlenut shells, serving as a source for activated carbon. The study aimed to determine the optimal reflux duration using an H3PO4 activator by assessing the properties of the resulting activated carbon. This involved identifying its functional groups and calculating the ideal surface area. The activation process involved refluxing carbon in candlenut shells within a 5% H3PO4 solution for varying durations (30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 minutes). The characterization of the activated carbon included assessing its moisture content, ash content, volatile content, fixed carbon content, iodine number, and methylene blue absorption, following the standards set by SNI 06-3730-1995. To determine the best properties of the activated carbon, functional groups were analyzed using FT-IR, and the surface area was determined using the BET method. The optimal reflux time for producing activated carbon was identified as 60 minutes. The characteristics of the highest-quality activated carbon produced were as follows: moisture content 1.04%, ash content 3.42%, volatile content 17.05%, fixed carbon content 79.53%, iodine number 874.94 mg/g, methylene blue absorption 4968.76 mg/L. The activated carbon exhibited various functional groups (C-H, C-O, C-C, C=C, C=O, O-H) and had a surface area of 85.279 m2/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]