Chestnut oak shells activated carbon: Preparation, characterization and application for Cr (VI) removal from dilute aqueous solutions

In this research, chestnut shells were used for activated carbon preparation by way of chemical activation with H3PO4 in a nitrogen atmosphere. The chemical and physical characteristics of activated carbon were determined using FTIR, BET, SEM, pH(PZC) measurement, and Bohm titration methods and the results were compared with those of the chestnut shell used as raw material. The prepared carbon was applied as an adsorbent for Cr (VI) removal via a batch adsorption process. The effects of process parameters including initial pH of solution, agitation speed and, adsorbent dosage on Cr (VI) removal efficiency were investigated. Kinetics analysis showed that the chemical reaction is the rate-controlling step. Equilibrium experiments revealed that the maximum adsorption abilities of the chestnut shell and prepared carbon were 4.44 mg g(-1) and 33 mg g(-1), respectively. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.