Study of Properties of Activated Carbon Produced from Agricultural Waste Date Palm Fronds

Abstract: The activated carbon was prepared from carbonaceous agricultural waste Palm fronds by chemicalactivation using potassium hydroxide (KOH) at 400°C. The palm frond was carbonized in an inert atmosphereand then the char was mixed with KOH. The mixture was then activated thermally in an inert atmosphere andfinally washed and dried to obtain the activated carbon. The objectives of this work were to develop a modifiedmethod to produce activated carbons from palm fronds and to study its physical and morphologicalcharacteristics. The characterization of carbon was by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM)and FTIR. The results of FTIR strongly support significant chemical and spectral changes occurring with theactivation of the palm fronds for KOH treatment. Key words: Date Palm Fronds Potassium Hydroxide Activated Carbon Microwave Recycle INTRODUCTION microwave power, possibly due to the high thermalWaste materials are regarded as the most suitable decomposition [4]. The purpose of the present paper issource materials for the production of activated carbon the evaluation of the experimental data that were(AC) because of their low purchasing cost and easy determined for production of activated carbon from palmaccessibility [1]. Thus, generating activated carbons fronds.(ACs) from a range of raw materials such as, agricultural Experimental conditions for carbon production fromwastes, coal, coconut shells and wood will reduce the agricultural wastesenvironmental impact of waste materials. With their use asactivated carbon, a high added value can be obtained [2].