Ferromagnetic activated carbon from cassava (Manihot dulcis) peels activated by iron(III) chloride: Synthesis and characterization

Ferromagnetic activated carbon (FAC) was prepared through impregnation of cassava peel with FeCl3 (3.75%) solution and pyrolyzed at 800 °C. Samples were characterized using iodine number, methylene blue number, X-ray fluorescence, Fourier transformation infrared, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled to energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, elemental analysis and N2 adsorption for surface area determination. The proximate analysis of cassava peel showed that the moisture content, fixed carbon, ash content, and the volatile matter were 3.52%, 82.97%, 4.97%, and 8.54%, respectively. The prepared FAC had a BET surface area of 405.9 m2/g, pore size of 2.03 nm and total pore volume of 0.11 cm3/g. The SEM analysis showed the presence of both micro and mesopores on the FAC sample. The XRD pattern of FAC showed the presence of characteristic peaks of magnetite–maghemite, confirming that the prepared material is ferromagnetic. According to the experimental results, the cassava peels are considered as appropriate raw material for FAC preparation.