Characterization of activated carbon produced by bio-waste material

The rising demand for activated carbon (AC) in filtration, environmental protection, and energy storage necessitates cost-effective and sustainable production methods. Conventional AC production relies on non-renewable resources, leading to environmental concerns and high costs. This study addresses this gap by utilizing biowaste materials, specifically sawdust and walnut shells, for AC synthesis through chemical activation using phosphoric acid. The carbonization process was conducted at 300°C, 600°C, and 700°C, followed by detailed characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Proximate Analysis, and CHNSO analysis. Adsorption capacity was assessed using iodine value measurements, which identified 600°C as the optimal temperature for activation. Carbon, hydrogen, Nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen (CHNSO) analysis revealed that walnut shell-derived AC contained 36.5% more carbon than sawdust-derived AC, making it superior for energy storage applications. SEM analysis further confirmed a more heterogeneous structure with smaller pores in walnut shell AC, enhancing its adsorption efficiency. The study underscores the potential of biowaste-derived AC as a sustainable alternative, reducing reliance on conventional carbon sources and promoting circular economy principles. These findings contribute to waste valorization efforts, demonstrating an eco-friendly approach to producing high-performance AC while addressing environmental concerns associated with agricultural and industrial waste. Future research should focus on scaling production, optimizing activation processes, and exploring practical applications of biowaste-derived AC in industrial and environmental sectors to enhance its commercial viability.