Synthesis and Characterization of Porous Activated Carbon from a new Precursor(karanja oil cake)

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to develop a porous activated carbon from a suitable precursor. Precursor used for synthesis of activated carbon was Karanja oil cake. Analysis of the raw material (Proximate and ultimate analysis) were carried out to know the physical properties; whether the raw material was suitable for synthesis of activated carbon not. Phosphoric acid was used for the chemical activation of the raw material. Thermo gravimetric analysis was carried out to know the suitable temperature range for carbonization. Carbonization was carried out in a tube furnace in a temperature range of 4000 C to 6000 C for half an hour. Carbonization was done in an inert atmosphere by providing nitrogen gas at a rate of 250 ml/min by using a nitrogen generator. Three different concentrations (10%, 20% and 30% ) solution of phosphoric acid was prepared .A systematic investigation of the effect of concentration of acid and activation temperature, on the yield of activated carbon, was made. The surface area was measured using BET surface area analyzer. Iodine number was also calculated to find out the concentration of phosphoric acid and optimum temperature for carbonization. The FTIR analysis depicts the presence of variety of functional group. The porous surface of the activated carbon was observed by using Scanning electron microscope.