Production of Activated Carbon from Waste Bamboo Biochar by Zinc Sulphate Activation

Phanuwat  Jaroennumpasakul; Saowanee  Kumpun; Phonpimol  Nikornbua; Jitlada  Chumee; Monthakan  Boonwat; Kanokporn  Khanom; Natkamol  Peungsamran; Ploysai  Ohama

Phanuwat Jaroennumpasakul Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
Saowanee Kumpun Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
Phonpimol Nikornbua Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
Jitlada Chumee Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
Monthakan Boonwat Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
Kanokporn Khanom Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
Natkamol Peungsamran Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
Ploysai Ohama Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

Keywords: Activated carbon, Biochar, Charcoal, Activation, Bamboo

Abstract

This study aimed to produce the activated carbon from agricultural waste which were bamboo scraps in order to promote agricultural waste utilization in community. In this study, bamboo biochar was prepared in conventional furnace. Then activated carbons were produced from bamboo biochar by chemical activation with zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) at 500 °C under anaerobic condition and their absorption capacity was demonstrated with iodine number using ASTM D4607 standard. The bamboo biochar produced by the community in Rayong province had an iodine number of 202.84 (71.99). When compared to the commercial activated carbon analyzed by the same method, which had an iodine number of 1121.90 (4.96), it cannot be classified as activated carbon. For the chemical activation process, zinc sulphate was first used instead of commonly used zinc chloride. The carbonization was carried out at 500C, under anaerobic condition. The modified biochar had an iodine number of 507.75 (±5.71), significantly higher than the biochar before activation, demonstrating its potential as an activated carbon.