Preparation of activated carbons from coffee husk using KOH activation for phenol adsorption

Thi Thu Thuy Luong; Cu Dang Van; Huu Son Ta; Khu Le Van

doi:10.15625/2525-2518/18299

Author affiliations

Authors

Thi Thu Thuy Luong \(^1\) Faculty of Chemistry, Hanoi National University of Education, 136 Xuan Thuy Street, Cau Giay Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6597-7742
Cu Dang Van \(^2\) Vietnam - Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park, Km 29 Thang Long Boulevard, Hoa Lac Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3613-5399
Huu Son Ta \(^1\) Faculty of Chemistry, Hanoi National University of Education, 136 Xuan Thuy Street, Cau Giay Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Khu Le Van \(^1\) Faculty of Chemistry, Hanoi National University of Education, 136 Xuan Thuy Street, Cau Giay Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0952-0144

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15625/2525-2518/18299

Keywords:

coffee husk, activated carbon, surface area, phenol adsorption, isotherms

Abstract

This study explores the development of activated carbons (ACs) synthesized from coffee husks using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as the activating agent under varying conditions, focusing on their potential for phenol adsorption. The effects of impregnation ratio, activation temperature, and activation time on the pore structure and surface chemistry of the resulting ACs were studied. Under optimal synthesis conditions, the sample ACK3-750-60, with a specific surface area of 1905 m² g^-1, a total pore volume of 0.8613 cm³g^-1, and numerous surface functional groups (2.35 mmol g^-1acidic groups and 0.36 mmol g^-1 basic groups), was obtained. The ACs have a predominantly microporous structure, as confirmed by iodine adsorption. The change in iodine number correlates with the pore texture obtained from BET measurements. Equilibrium sorption of phenol was studied and fitted by the Langmuir, Dubinin–Radushkevich, Elovich, and Temkin isotherms. The ACs achieved a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 199.20 mg g^-1 at 30 °C, with an adsorption energy variation of 12.50 kJ mol^-1.

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