Acid Adsorption on the Activated Charcoal Synthesized from Low Cost Agricultural Waste under Varying Conditions

The activated charcoal (AC) was synthesized from banana leaf rim (BLR) through three activation methods; physical (BLRC), chemical (Z BLRC, zinc chloride) and microwave activation (MW BLRC). The AC was characterised using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The Z BLRC has better adsorbent character compared to BLRC or MW BLRC. Adsorption of acetic acid (AA) onto synthesized activated charcoals (BLRC, Z BLRC & MW BLRC) were performed. This experimental data satisfied Freundlich adsorption isotherm equations. Second-order kinetics study holds good for the present adsorption system. Thermodynamic parameters were evaluated. Based on the result it may be concluded that chemical activated charcoal has maximum adsorption efficiency among the three synthesized types of carbons.