BET, TG–DTG, FT-IR, SEM, iodine number analysis and preparation of activated carbon from acorn shell by chemical activation with ZnCl2

Activated carbons were produced from acorn shell by chemical activation with zinc chloride (ZnCl2) at 600 °C in N2 atmosphere and their characteristics were investigated. The effects of activation temperature, duration time, impregnation concentration of agent and impregnation time were examined. Adsorption capacity was demonstrated with BET and iodine number. The obtained activated carbons were characterized by measuring their porosities and pore size distributions. BET surface area of the best produced activated carbon was 1289 m2/g. The surface chemical characteristics of activated carbons were determined by FT-IR spectroscopic method. The microstructure of the produced activated carbons was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermal gravimetry (TG) and derivative thermal gravimetry (DTG) analysis of produced activated carbon was carried out.

► Activated carbon was produced from acorn shellwith chemical activation usingZnCl2.
► Activation temperature, duration time, impregnation ratio and impregnation time was examined.
► BET surface area of the best produced activated carbon was 1289 m2/g.
► The characterization of activated carbon was determined by FT-IR, SEM, TG–DTG, and BET.