Optimization of Preparing Conditions for Activated Carbon from Date Stones (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) by Chemical Activation Using Response Surface Methodology

This research aims to obtain optimal conditions of one-stage preparation of activated carbon (AC) from date stones using response surface methodology (RSM). The effects of three activation variables (activation temperature (T), activation time (t) and ZnCl2: precursor impregnation ratio (r) ) on the AC yield (Y), specific surface area (SSA), Micropore volume (VM) and total pore volume (Vt) were investigated. From the analysis of variance (ANOVA), the most influential factor in each experimental design response was identified. The optimum conditions for preparing AC were found as follows: T of 585 °C, t of 2.124 h and r of 2.434:1 which resulted in 20.16% of Y, 624 m²/g of SSA, 0.105 cm3/g of VM and 0.362 cm3/g of Vt. Herein, AC prepared under optimum conditions was characterized using SEM, FTIR, FRX, pHpzc analysis to evaluate the efficiency of optimization of chemical activation process in its morphological and chemical characteristics. Moreover, the obtained AC was used for phenol removal from wastewater using an ultrasonic-assisted adsorption manner. Some key parameters that influence the efficacy of ultrasonic-assisted phenol adsorption incorporate the initial concentration and sonication time were tested at ambient temperature without maintaining the pH of the solution. The results showed that The maximum amount of adsorption (442 mg/g) was noticed when the sonication time was 60 min and partially increased by the enhancement of the initial phenol concentration. In consequence, the present study suggests a speed and eco-friendly adsorption process intending to mitigate environmental risk sustainably of hydrocarbons.