Preparation of Activated Carbon from Durian Shells Using Fixed Bed Activation Unit for Dye Removal Application

This report discusses about the preliminary research done and basic understanding of the chosen topic, which is Preparation of Activated Carbon from Durian Shells using Fixed Bed Activation Unit for Dye Removal Application. The objective of this project is to produce low cost activated carbon from durian’s biomass waste that can be used as an alternative for dye removal treatment especially for textile industry. This study presents the preparation of activated carbon from durian shells through chemical activation process in Fixed Bed Activation Unit (FBAU) with potassium hydroxide (KOH) as dehydrating agent and steam oxidizing agent under the nitrogen flow. In order to find the optimum parameters condition, six different design based on variation in impregnation ratio of precursor to KOH, activation temperature and activation time were employed. Maximum yield was 37% for durian shells impregnated with 1:4 ratio, at 400 oC for 2 hours, named DSAC5. The FESEM images showed a smooth surface of durian shells became wrinkle porous structure of activated carbon that were favored for adsorption and BET result of 410 m2/g for durian precursors. The removal of methylene blue dye from the solution was found to be feasible with the developed lab scale process. Maximum adsorption percentage was 98.35% with maximum adsorption capacity of 24.59 mg/g for DSAC5.