Authors : Z.M. Yunus, N. Othman, R. Hamdan and N.N. Ruslan
Abstract: In this study, honeydew rind a fruit waste was converted into activated carbon adsorbent as a potential metal removal from aqueous solution application. The waste was impregnated with sulfuric acid (H2SO4) 10% v/v prior to carbonization. The effects of carbonization temperature of 470, 490, 510 and 530°C on the development of pore surface were examined. The surface morphology and textural properties of produced ACs were characterized using surface analyzer and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). Percentage of yield (79.23%) and ash content (6.20%) were determined for each adsorbent produced adsorbent produced at optimal carbonization temperature of 510°C. Surface textural analysis demonstrated comparable surface area of 429.16 m2/g. FESEM micrograph showed the metal compound was infused into the pores after adsorption. This is evidently indicated by shiny and occupied pores compared to micrograph images before adsorption. This study has proven that honeydew rind, a non-value material can be transformed into an organic adsorbent with promising adsorbent characteristic and has a high potential to replace current commercial AC precursor.
Z.M. Yunus, N. Othman, R. Hamdan and N.N. Ruslan, 2019. Carbonization of Sulfuric-Acid-Impregnated Honeydew Rind for Metal Removal Application in Wastewater Treatment. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 14: 9219-9223.