Characterization and adsorptive properties of activated carbon prepared from olive stones

Abstract

Preparation of activated carbon from olive stones by H3PO4 chemical activation under different H3PO4 concentrations and calcination temperatures was carried out. The surface area of chemically modified activated carbon was 524 m(2)/g. The surface characterization of both olive stones and activated carbon was undertaken using FTIR spectroscopic technique. Prepared activated carbon was used as an adsorbent for the removal of a basic textile dye (methylene blue) from aqueous solutions. The effects of various process parameters i.e., pH, ionic strength and temperature, on the adsorption capacity of activated carbon were investigated. The results showed that methylene blue adsorption increased with increasing pH, temparature and ion strength. Activated carbon had an isoelectrical point at approximately 2.50, and adsorption enthalpy was calculated to be 11.30 kj/mol. The experimental data indicated that the adsorption isotherms were well described by the Langmuir equilibrium isotherm equation. The separation factor (R-L) revealed the favorable nature of Langmuir isotherm for the methylene blue-activated carbon system.