Physico-chemical characterization of carbonized apricot kernel shell as precursor for activated carbon preparation in clean technology utilization

Abstract This paper investigates the ability of waste apricot ( Prunus armeniaca ) kernel shells (AKS) bio-char prepared by single-step carbonization process at 850 °C (residence time of 1 h) for possible removal of toxic elements and organic micro-pollutants. The experiment that was performed as well as parameters used proved to be optimal for bio-char production as adsorbing medium, where last issue is validated by multiform material characterization techniques. It has been shown that the produced bio-char possess highly-porous morphology features, with large specific surface area (328.570 m 2  g −1 ). The obtained product was characterized by various pore sizes (including super-micropores and mesopores with maximum pore size of 2.24 nm) structures. Preliminary results are indicated that obtained bio-char can shows increased affinity to possible adsorption of the small organic molecule contaminants upgraded by its physico-chemical properties. Cost estimation of AKS bio-char production substantiated its cost effectiveness and its good physical and chemical properties for future design in batch adsorption and regeneration tests. It was established that AKS produced bio-char was 2.5 times cheaper than the commercially available activated carbon. Bio-char exhibits promising removal performances for potential adsorption of heavy metal and organic micro-pollutants from wastewaters systems, as indicated by material textures and spectroscopy measurements.