Synthesis of Activated Carbon from Groundnut Shell Via Chemical Activation

This study focuses on the conversion of groundnut shell into activated carbons via chemical activation using H3PO4, ZnCl2 and KOH. 100 g of groundnut shell was used for activation at 1:1 impregnation ratio (feedstock to the activating agent). The yield (wt%) of activated carbon was in the range of 87–90 wt%. Highest BET surface area was obtained for KOH activated carbon sample (691.69 m2/g). In line with this, methylene blue number was higher in case of KOH activated carbon sample (332.20 mg/g) as compared to H3PO4 (270.20 mg/g) and ZnCl2 (291.20 mg/g) samples. Thermo-gravimetric analysis reveals that all activated carbon samples were thermal stable up to ~ 850 °C. FTIR spectrum shows appearances of minor functional groups in the activated carbons. © 2020, The Institution of Engineers (India).