Methyl Orange Adsorption from Aqueous Solution by Activated Carbon: Effect of Acidic Solution Treatment

摘要

Activated carbon (AC) has been recognised as one of the most popular and widely used adsorbent in waste water treatment throughout the world. The purpose for this study was to synthesize the activated carbon from corn cob using acidic solution treatment. The process involved pyrolyzation of com cob at 500°C for 2 hours and activated by chemical activation using H_3PO_4 with different ratio composition. The samples were then characterized by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). SEM images show a significant increase in pores availability for all the samples that used chemical activation. Additionally, sample with ratio 6:1 have the highest crystallinity value among other samples used. The study continued by investigating the dye removal rate using batch study. At the end of this study, it can be concluded that the increment of the ratio composition of the chemical activating agent would increase its dye removal potential.