Microwave Induced Carbon from Waste Palm Kernel Shell Activated by Phosphoric Acid

Abstract—Activated carbon has been known as an excellent adsorbent which has been widely used due for its large adsorption capacity and low cost. In Malaysia, palm kernel shell is one of the main agriculture wastes obtained from palm oil industries. In this study, the palm kernel shell-based activated carbon was prepared via microwave-induced activation process using phosphoric acid, H 3PO 4 at difference concentration as the activating agent. Home modified microwave with power 350 W was used for activation process of 1 min on and 1 min off. The activation process took place for 10 minutes (5 cycles). This prepared activated carbon samples were chemical characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Nitrogen Gas Adsorption analysis and thermal analysis. The results obtained indicate that microwave induced activated carbon can be prepared in the presence of a chemical activation agent for in this case, phosphoric acid. This study shows, activated carbon at 60 % phosphoric acid concentration has the highest surface area of 630 m 2/g. The production of activated carbon from agricultural waste such as palm kernel shells via microwave induced can be a new promising method in producing easier and simpler high surface area activated carbon.