Optimization of Preparation Conditions of Activated Carbons Based on the Shells of <i>Ricinodendron heudoltii</i>

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to prepare better activated carbons from the shells of Ricinodendron Heudelotii by chemical activation with sulfuric acid (H 2 SO 4 ) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The process was optimized by a full factorial design (2 K ) based on the analysis of the external specific surface area of sixteen (16) activated carbons prepared according to the parameters of the preparation. This active analysis reveals that under the preparation conditions, good carbons are obtained for a sodium hydroxide concentration equal to 1 M, an impregnation time of 24 h and carbonization at 500 &#730; C for 1 h. The external specific surface of this carbon is 358 m 2 &#8226; g -1 . The characteristics of this prepared carbon are as follows: a pH at zero point charge (pHpzc) of 8.2, a predominantly amorphous structure, a basic character and a low ash content (4.2%). It also has surface functions; the lactonic and carbonyl groups (C=O) at 1600 cm -1 and the carboxylate groups (O-H or C-O) at 1340 cm -1 .