Sustainable Production and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Palm Kernel Shell: Assessing Its Potential for Industrial Applications

The objective of this study is to produce and comprehensively characterize activated carbon derived from palm kernel shell, aiming to explore its potential as an efficient adsorbent in various industrial applications. The palm kernel shell was initially carbonized in an electric furnace at an elevated temperature of 700°C for a duration of two hours, followed by chemical activation using concentrated H₂SO₄ at 900°C for one hour. The resultant activated carbon was subjected to a rigorous characterization process in accordance with the ASTM standard methods. The results revealed a relatively low moisture content of 10%, an ash content of just 1%, an impressive iodine number of 552.15, indicating substantial adsorption capacity, and a slightly acidic pH value of 4.6. These findings demonstrate that the activated carbon produced exhibits desirable physicochemical properties, suggesting its potential application in water purification, gas adsorption, and as a catalyst support in various chemical processes. This research contributes to the development of value-added products from agro-waste, promoting sustainable practices and offering a viable solution for waste management.