Adsorptive Removalof Ni(II) Ion from Aqueous Solution Using Rice Husk-Based Activated Carbon

This study is using one of many methods that used to remove heavy metal from
industrial. They include chemical precipitation, ion exchange, electroplating, and
membrane separation. This study of rice husk as potential activated carbon as a lowcost
adsorbent to remove Nickel (Ni) from Ni (II) ion solution was investigated. It used
adsorption method as it is cheaper than others and readily available. This project will
focuses on the capability of the rice husk as a low-cost adsorbent to remove heavy
metal. Raw rice husk, is largely available in Malaysia, as our country main agriculture
product is rice. Since rice husk is treated as waste, we are studying ofthe potential of
its' advantages in removing heavy metal. The main components of rice are carbon and
silica. Thus it has potential to be converted as an adsorbent. This study involves 3 steps
which are the preparation ofthe raw rice husk, activation stages (treatment ofrice husk
and carbonization of the treated rice husk), and the kinetic study for the rice husk
obtain after activation in order to obtain Langmuir graph. The pores development will
be analyzed by using both SEM and FESEM for each stage. Other analyses on rice
husk activated carbon were also conducted using BET Surface Area Analyzer, Fourier
Transmitted Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), CHN Elemental Analyzer, X-Ray
Diffraction (XRD) and Thermo gravimetric Analyzer for characterization study on rice
husk particle. The adsorption capacity towards metal ion was determined using Atomic
Adsorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The result obtained from the adsorption study showed
that rice husk has a potential to be converted to adsorbent for removal ofheavy metals.