Synthesis and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Candlenut Shells Using Various Types of Activators
Sahrul Hidayat, Sarifah Mudaim, Otong Nurhilal and Risdiana

Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran,
Jl. Raya Bandung-Sumedang km 21 Jatinangor, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia 45363.

Abstract

In this research, the synthesis of porous carbon from candlenut shell has been carried out using various types of activators in the chemical activation process. From SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) images can be observed that the carbon activation process has occurred which was indicated by the appearance of many pores on the surface of carbon. Characterization of BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) which clarified with the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) isotherm curves was indicated that the porous carbon is dominated by mesoporous with a pore size around 2-50 nm. From BET characterization also can be determined the surface area of activated carbon using activator of H3PO4 was around 636 m2/g, activator of ZnCl2 was around 477 m2/g and activator of KOH was around 681 m2/g. Based on this research can be observed that the activator of KOH produces a larger carbon surface area than the other types of activators.

Keywords: Activated Carbon, Candlenut Shells, Mesoporous

Topic: Physics