SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERISATION AND APPLICATION OF ACTIVATED CARBON AS A SMOKE FILTER
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2024
Abstract
Activated carbon (AC) synthesis and application have been extensively studied. However, reports on its deployment in smoke particle filters are limited. The present study synthesised AC from two agricultural wastes, namely coconut shell (CS) and palm kernel shell (PKS). The AC was incorporated into a custom-made smoke muffler to filter smoke from paddy straw combustion. Phosphoric acid, potassium hydroxide and zinc chloride were employed to produce the AC via a physicochemical method. CS and PKS were subjected to microwave radiation, a one-to-one (1:1) activation ratio, 30 min of impregnation time, and 4 min of radiation. Background studies were conducted on the starting materials, including lignocellulosic content and proximal and ultimate evaluations. The AC samples procured were characterised with Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR), Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) surface area, and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) analyses. The zinc chloride-activated CS (MZCS) produced the optimal AC under minimal conditions, documenting a 391.26 m2 g-1 BET surface area. Based on FESEM results, the MZCS distributed smoke particles evenly, demonstrating smoke adsorbent abilities. The results also indicated a favourable physical interaction between the surface and smoke particles. Conclusively, the MZCS possesses potential as a smoke filter.
Keywords
Activated carbon, agricultural waste, coconut shell, palm kernel shell, smoke filter
Divisions
CHEMISTRY
Funders
University of Malaya Impact-Oriented Interdisciplinary Research Grant Programme (IIRG) (IIRG002A-19SAH)
Publication Title
Journal of Tropical Forest Science
Volume
36
Issue
4
Publisher
Forest Research Institute Malaysia
Publisher Location
PUBLICATION UNIT, KEPONG, KUALA LUMPUR 52109, MALAYSIA