Development of Micro Porous Materials (Activated Carbon) from Agricultural Products to be utilized for Environmental Remediation

Abstract

This research explored the development of micro porous materials derived from agricultural products for environmental remediation applications. The innovative approach utilized biomass waste to create sustainable, high-performance, renewable materials with tailored properties. This agricultural materials are biodegrable as compared to the non-renewable and non degrable resources used in production of industrial activated carbon. Activated carbon (AC) was produced at varying temperature ranges of (400-600) ^OC in vector furnaces, after which it was impregnated using sodium hydroxide of 0.3ml. AC was then characterized in terms of moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, and fixed carbon, and the percentage yield was determined. The absorption rate of each produced AC was determined using a methylene blue adsorption test (MBAT). The characterization of both activated carbons produced gave moisture content as (14, 7.0%), volatile matter (11, 9.0%), ash content (2.0, 5.0%) and fixed carbon (72, 78 %), respectively. The result showed that above and below 600 °C, in below 60 minutes, both coconut husk and Periwinkle shell yield were produced. It can be deduced that the adsorption rate is higher in periwinkle shells than that of coconut husks, with 4.04%, 6.94% and 8.8% for 400, 500 and 600-degree centigrade, respectively. It can be inferred that the adsorption rates of both biomass employed are similar with slight vibration. The produced micro porous materials demonstrated excellent adsorption capabilities, making them ideal for removing pollutants from water and air. The findings offered a promising solution for a more sustainable and circular approach to environmental remediation, reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly technologies.