Novel activated carbon produced from Iraqi luffa (IL)‎ with organic and inorganic applications

Abstract EN

In this study, synthesis and characterization of novel activated carbon (AC) produces from Iraqi Luffa (IL).

This material was applied in organic and inorganic applications.

The results indicates that the quality of activated carbon samples is highly dependent on the preparation conditions and the optimum results (of high volume and pore surface area) were obtained by treating with potassium hydroxide impregnation ratio 1 / 2 .

The highest yield was 70 % for all samples except AC5, indicating that the pores surfaces and structures of these samples were the best developed.

Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) of activated carbon samples signposted that all of these samples were stable between 250-350 oC, TGA-DTG(Differential thermal analysis) showed that the initial weight loss begins at around 100oC.

This means that the major weight loss occurred in the temperature range of 285~500oC due to decomposition of cellulose and lignin leaving behind a carbon preform.

The activated carbon samples were an effective adsorbent material for removing toxic element (Lead) in water (or wastewater), the removal percentages were varied from 26 to 64 %.

Also these samples could be used in organic applications as catalyst or catalyst support for oxidation of chalcone using hydrogen peroxide.

The iodine number, methylene blue, ash content %, densities, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Differential thermal analysis (DTG), in addition to IR spectra were used to characterized these samples.

Also atomic absorption was used to determined the quantities of toxic element (lead).