Thesis Abstract

Activated carbon is a versatile material widely used in various applications such as water purification, air filtration, and adsorption of contaminants. In this research project, the focus is on producing activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse through a thermal activation method. Sugarcane bagasse, a byproduct of the sugar industry, is abundant and renewable, making it a sustainable source for activated carbon production. The process involves carbonizing the sugarcane bagasse at high temperatures to convert it into a carbonaceous material, followed by activation to create a porous structure with a high surface area. The thermal activation method allows for the control of activation conditions such as temperature, time, and gas atmosphere, influencing the final characteristics of the activated carbon. Characterization of the produced activated carbon includes assessing its physical and chemical properties. Surface area analysis using techniques like Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis provides information on the porosity and specific surface area of the activated carbon. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to examine the surface morphology, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) helps identify functional groups present in the material. The performance of the activated carbon is evaluated through adsorption studies. The adsorption capacity of the activated carbon is determined by testing its ability to adsorb model contaminants such as dyes, heavy metals, or organic compounds from aqueous solutions. The efficiency of the activated carbon in removing these contaminants is influenced by factors like contact time, initial concentration of the contaminant, and pH of the solution. The results of this research provide valuable insights into the production and characterization of activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse by the thermal method. The findings contribute to the development of sustainable and cost-effective methods for producing activated carbon from agricultural waste sources. Furthermore, the performance evaluation of the activated carbon in adsorption applications demonstrates its potential for environmental remediation and wastewater treatment. Overall, this study highlights the feasibility of utilizing sugarcane bagasse as a precursor for activated carbon production and emphasizes the importance of optimizing the activation process to tailor the properties of the activated carbon for specific applications. The research findings pave the way for further exploration of agricultural residues as viable sources for sustainable activated carbon production.

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.