Characteristic performance analysis of empty fruit bunches derived activated carbon for methylene blue adsorption application

Empty fruit bunch (EFB) contribute to a higher availability waste percentage compared to other types of residues in Malaysia’s Oil palm industries. Converting EFB into activated carbon (AC) is one of the promising methods of appropriate industrial waste management. AC is a versatile technique for the filtration process due to its absorption of molecule’s capability. Hence the present study aims to investigate the adsorption capacity of AC produced using EFB as a raw material via the methylene blue as a dye compound of adsorption analysis. In order to produce AC, a mixture of dried EFB and Potassium Hydroxide, KOH was first impregnated with ultrasonic energy, and then a tube furnace was used for physical activation. The effects of activation time utilizing ultrasonic power (0, 45, and 90 minutes) and activation temperature (300, 500, and 700°C) on the adsorption characteristics of the AC were investigated. Methylene blue as a dye model compound was used to quantify the adsorptive property. The results showed that the sample with ultrasonic exposure or treatment time of 45 minutes and activation temperature of 500˚C produced the maximum adsorption capacity (17.69 mg/g). It is observed that the aforementioned setting was optimum as the pores of AC were neither under-developed nor destructed by over-activation energy.