Project Abstract

Abstract
Activated carbon is a versatile material widely used in various applications such as water purification, air filtration, and energy storage due to its high porosity and large surface area. In this study, activated carbon was produced from sugarcane bagasse, an abundant agricultural waste product, using a thermal activation method. The sugarcane bagasse was first carbonized at high temperatures to remove volatile components and create a carbon-rich precursor material. The carbonized bagasse was then activated using a controlled thermal treatment process in the presence of an activating agent to develop the porous structure necessary for adsorption applications. The produced activated carbon was characterized using various analytical techniques to evaluate its physical and chemical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the porous nature of the activated carbon with a well-developed surface area. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis indicated a high specific surface area, highlighting the potential adsorption capacity of the material. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to identify functional groups present on the activated carbon surface, which play a crucial role in adsorption processes. The adsorption capacity of the activated carbon was evaluated by conducting adsorption experiments using methylene blue as a model organic compound. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the produced activated carbon in removing methylene blue from aqueous solutions, indicating its potential for water purification applications. Furthermore, the adsorption kinetics and isotherms were analyzed to understand the adsorption mechanism and equilibrium behavior of the activated carbon. The thermal method used for the production of activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse proved to be efficient and environmentally friendly, utilizing a low-cost and sustainable precursor material. The characterized activated carbon exhibited promising properties for adsorption applications, showing high surface area, porosity, and adsorption capacity. The results of this study contribute to the utilization of agricultural waste for the production of value-added materials, promoting sustainability and resource efficiency in the field of carbon materials. Further research can focus on optimizing the activation process parameters and exploring additional applications for the produced activated carbon.

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.