Multi-component volatile organic compounds (VOCs) treatment nexus: High-performance of activated carbon derived from residual agroforestry biomass

Epilobium montanum, agroforestry residue biomass, produced low-cost activated carbon using the acidic chemical activating agent. The aim of this study is to explore the changes that occur in E. montanum during activation with H 3 PO 4 . The microstructures of the formed phosphoric acid-treated fibrous lignocellulosic-derived activated carbon (EM38-AC) are determined by Brunauer, Emmett and Teller, X-ray diffraction analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope, and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy methods. The EM38-AC with maximum surface area and total pore volume of 835 m 2 /g and 0.48 cm 3 as environmentally friendly material were prepared at 700 °C, activation time of 150 min, and H 3 PO 4 impregnation ratio of 3:1. The EM38-ACs have tested BTEX adsorption and the equilibrium capacities of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene at 20 °C and 30% RH were 112, 126, 119, and 84 mg/g for multi-system. Multi-component BTEX adsorption capacity decreased significantly with the increasing temperature and humidity. The adsorption of the BTEX mixture on EM38-ACs decreased by 28.5–35.4%, compared to the relative humidity of 30 and 90%. Also, the reusability of EM38-ACs showed good thermal regeneration and fell to 84.55% after seven cycles. Here the direct result revealed that EM38-ACs showed the largest BET surface area and the best adsorption capacity. Finally, utilizing these renewable feedstocks presents us with the avenues to realize sustainable synthesis through the green process and the purpose of a sustainable future in indoor air quality. Graphical abstract