Physics and chemical activation to produce activated carbon from empty palm oil bunches waste

Abstract

Abstract This research was conducted by laboratory-scale trials to make activated carbon from empty oil palm bunches. Empty bunches were palm oil processing industrial waste. This research was an effort to optimize waste management. Empty palm oil bunches were studied to become carbon active. Activated carbon is needed to meet the needs of the food industry and non-food industries. This research aimed to determine the appropriate method, optimal operating condition, and get the specification of standard carbon active. Making activated carbon was carried out by multiple activations; chemical and physical. The feed carbonation process was conducted at 400° C for 4 hours with N2 gas flow. After the charcoal is formed, chemical activation is carried out using an H3PO4 activator with a concentration of 9-15% wt. Physical activity was conducted by heating the activated carbon method in 700°C for an hour. The result of the study showed that multiple activations produced activated carbon, and the quality filled the standard. H3PO4 concentration of 13% was the most appropriate concentration to provide activated carbon with the best quality. The best quality activated carbon, which has produced of this research has complied with Indonesian National Standards 06-3730-1995 with parameters: 3% moisture content, 3.92% ash content, 0.7% volatile matter, 95.38% bonded carbon, iodine number 945.47 mg / g, and surface area of 272.9 m2/g.