Synthesis and Characterization of Activated Carbon from the Biowaste of the Plant Manihot Esculenta

Abstract

Carbon has been synthesized from biowaste material of the plant Manihot esculenta and its activation was done by HNO 3 . Surface functionality of activated carbon was studied by Bohem titration and FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared Spectroscopy) techniques whereby different functional groups such as lactonic group, carboxylic group, hydroxyl group, carbonyl group etc. were observed. From the PXRD (Powder X-ray Diffraction) analysis, the phase and the crystallite size of the activated carbon was found to be 45.56 nm. Elemental analysis and the surface pores distribution were studied by EDX (Energy-Dispersive X-Ray) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope). Thermal study of the activated carbon reveals the fact that the synthesized carbon has thermal stability above 1000 o C. Other physical parameters such as apparent density, ash content, volatile matter, water soluble matter, acid soluble matter, fixed carbon, pH, iodine number and porosity were measured a analyzed in details in this paper.