Physico-chemical characterization of carbonized apricot kernel shell as precursor for activated carbon preparation in clean technology utilization

This paper investigates the ability of waste apricot (Prunus armeniaca) kernel shells (AKS) bio-char prepared by single-step carbonization process at 850 degrees C (residence time of 1 h) for possible removal of toxic elements and organic micro-pollutants. The experiment that was performed as well as parameters used proved to be optimal for bio-char production as adsorbing medium, where last issue is validated by multiform material characterization techniques. It has been shown that the produced bio-char possess highly-porous morphology features, with large specific surface area (328.570 m(2) g(-1)). The obtained product was characterized by various pore sizes (including super-micropores and mesopores with maximum pore size of 2.24 nm) structures. Preliminary results are indicated that obtained bio-char can shows increased affinity to possible adsorption of the small organic molecule contaminants upgraded by its physico-chemical properties. Cost estimation of AKS bio-char production substantiated its cost effectiveness and its good physical and chemical properties for future design in batch adsorption and regeneration tests. It was established that AKS produced bio-char was 2.5 times cheaper than the commercially available activated carbon. Bio-char exhibits promising removal performances for potential adsorption of heavy metal and organic micro-pollutants from wastewaters systems, as indicated by material textures and spectroscopy measurements.