Preparation and characterisation of activated carbon from rambutan seed (Nephelium Lappaceum) by chemical activation

Abstract

Activated carbons were prepared from rambutan seed by chemical activations with ZnCI2 as dehydrating agent. In order to find its characteristic, different impregnation ration of ZnCI2 to rambutan seed (0.5 and 2) and carbonization temperature (450c and 650c) was employed. The carbonization occured in a tube furnace with nitrogen flow at rate of 0.5 L/min. The results showed that at higher impregnation ratio and carbonization temperature produced a wider BET surface area of activated carbon that was 9.876 m2/g. Total pore volume also increased with increases of these two factors. However activation,yield was decreased with increasing of carbonization temperature. Activated carbon then were tested on synthetic wastewater with pH reduction upon contact time and adsorbent dosage. Reduction of pH ranging 6.2 to 6.8 with employment of 2g/100ml adsorbent dosage at 180 minutes contact time.