Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The production and characterization of activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse using a thermal method were investigated in this study. Sugarcane bagasse, an abundant agricultural waste material, was selected as the precursor for activated carbon production due to its high carbon content and availability. The thermal method involved the carbonization of sugarcane bagasse followed by activation with a suitable activating agent such as potassium hydroxide (KOH). The activated carbon samples were then characterized using various analytical techniques to evaluate their physical and chemical properties. The production process involved the pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse in a controlled environment to convert the organic material into carbon. The resulting carbonaceous material was then activated by treating it with KOH at elevated temperatures. The activation process helped in creating a porous structure within the carbon material, which is essential for its adsorption properties. The activated carbon samples were characterized for their surface area, pore volume, pore size distribution, and functional groups using techniques such as Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The characterization results showed that the activated carbon derived from sugarcane bagasse had a high surface area and pore volume, indicating its potential for use as an adsorbent material. The SEM images revealed a porous structure with well-defined pore sizes, further confirming the activation process's effectiveness. The FTIR analysis showed the presence of functional groups such as hydroxyl and carbonyl groups on the surface of the activated carbon, which are important for its adsorption capabilities. TGA analysis demonstrated the thermal stability of the activated carbon, making it suitable for various environmental and industrial applications. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the feasibility of producing activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse using a thermal method and characterized the resulting material for its adsorption properties. The activated carbon showed promising characteristics such as high surface area, pore volume, and thermal stability, making it a potential candidate for applications in water treatment, air purification, and other adsorption processes. This research contributes to the utilization of agricultural waste for sustainable carbon materials production and highlights the potential of sugarcane bagasse as a valuable precursor for activated carbon synthesis.

Thesis Overview

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Activated carbon also called activated charcoal is a carbonaceous, highly porous adsorptive medium that has a complex structure which comprises primarily of carbon atoms. The activated carbons are channels created within a rigid, skeleton of disordered layers of carbon atoms, linked together by chemical bonds, stacked unevenly, creating a highly porous structure of nooks, crannies, cracks and crevices between the carbon layers. (Sheffler, 1996).

Activated carbon are manufactured from lignocellulose materials (the combination of lignin and cellulose in the structural cells of woody plants), coal, petroleum coke, coconut shell, sugarcane bagasse and other agricultural materials. (Girgis and Ishak, 1999). Activation by different method or high temperature mechanisms are used in the production of activated carbons from these raw materials.

The intrinsic pore network in the lattice structure of activated carbons allows the removal of impurities from gaseous and liquid media through a mechanism referred to as adsorption. (Larteet al., 1999). Activated carbon is mainly available in three forms namely powdered, granular and extruded form and each form is available in many sizes, Based upon the application and requirements.

The importance of activated carbon to an ever growing society cannot be over emphasized considering its enormous uses. Its uses ranges from liquid phase to gaseous-phase applications in domestic, commercial, health care centers and industrial settings. (Hassler, 1963).

In many water treatment applications, activated carbon has proved to be the least expensive treatment option. One of the major attributes of activated carbon treatment is its ability to remove a wide variety of toxic organic compounds to non-detectible levels (99.9%). (Mendez et al, 2006).

The basic method of producing activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse are the physical and chemical methods. Both methods can combine in efforts to produce higher surface area. (Baksi et al., 2006).

1.2 Research Problem Statement

Sugarcane bagasse is a waste material constituting an environmental problem. The material is found to indiscriminately liter most cities in the northern Nigeria. However, it can be put into proper use by treating and transforming it. Preparation of activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse using thermal method will go a long way to solving the environmental problem constituted by the sugarcane bagasse and it could also be a major research guide in the study of activated carbon.

1.3 Aim and Objectives

The aim of this research is to produce and characterize activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse by thermal method. The objectives of this research are as follows;

ü To investigate the effect of temperature on the quality of the activated carbon produced.

ü To characterize the activated carbon produced.

1.4 Scope

The scope of the research work includes

·       To investigate the effect of temperature from 500, 550 and 600oc on the quality of the activated carbon produced.

·       To analyze the activated carbon through FTIR and proximate analysis.

·       Preparation of activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse.

·       Characterization of activated carbon produced from sugarcane bagasse.

1.5 Relevance of the Research

a)   Utilization of available raw materials and waste materials.

b)   Creation of job opportunity.

c)   Generation of revenue.

1.6 Justification

Sugarcane bagasse is a locally available raw material which is not expensive but has a great effect in the production of activated carbon. The method of production is safe and easy.