Preparation and characterization of activated carbon from bagasse fly ash

Activated carbons from bagasse fly ash (BFA) were prepared by one step chemical activation using ZnCl2 as activating agent, or combination method of chemical with CO2 physical activation (physicochemical activation). The development of porosity was studied in correlation with the method of activation, activation temperature, and also the chemical weight ratio. A typical sample by the combination method at 600 °C and weight ratio of ZnCl2:BFA = 2 exhibited micropore volume of 0.528 cc/g, mesopore volume of 0.106 cc/g and surface area of 1200 m2/g. For determining the adsorption capacity of the carbon samples in solutions, phenol and methylene blue equilibrium adsorption experiments were conducted. The properties and adsorption capacity of the synthesized activated carbons has been compared to commercial activated carbon (Norit® SX Plus).