Project Abstract

Abstract
Activated carbon is a versatile material used in various applications such as water purification, air filtration, and gas separation due to its high surface area and adsorption characteristics. In this study, activated carbon was produced from sugarcane bagasse by a thermal activation method. The sugarcane bagasse was first carbonized at a high temperature, followed by activation with steam to create pores and increase the surface area of the material. The resulting activated carbon was then characterized using various analytical techniques. The physical and chemical properties of the activated carbon were evaluated, including surface area, pore volume, pore size distribution, and functional groups present on the surface. The surface area of the activated carbon was found to be significantly higher compared to the raw sugarcane bagasse due to the formation of pores during the activation process. The pore size distribution analysis indicated the presence of both micropores and mesopores, which are essential for adsorption applications. The activated carbon was further tested for its adsorption capacity towards different contaminants, including heavy metals and organic compounds. The results showed that the activated carbon exhibited high adsorption efficiency for various pollutants, highlighting its potential for environmental remediation applications. The material also demonstrated good stability and reusability, making it a sustainable option for water and air treatment processes. Moreover, the thermal activation method used in this study proved to be effective in producing high-quality activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse, a renewable and abundant agricultural waste material. This approach offers a sustainable solution for both waste management and the production of value-added products. The findings of this research contribute to the development of environmentally friendly materials and processes for pollution control and resource utilization. In conclusion, the production and characterization of activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse by thermal method offer a promising avenue for the utilization of agricultural waste in the creation of value-added products. The activated carbon demonstrated excellent adsorption properties towards various pollutants, indicating its potential for environmental applications. This study provides insights into the sustainable production of activated carbon and its potential for addressing environmental challenges through waste valorization.

Project 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.