Synthesis and characterization of activated carbon from Bambusa vulgaris striate using two-step KOH activation

The present work aims to investigate the textural, morphology and chemical characteristics of activated carbon synthesized from Bambusa vulgaris striate as an abundant lignocellulosic precursor. A two-step chemical activation using KOH in N-2 atmosphere was adopted. The well-developed porosity and surface chemistry of the porous carbon material were investigated by Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Herein, the optimum conditions for producing activated carbon were recognized to be: activation temperature of 800 degrees C with impregnation weight ratio of char to KOH 1:3 for 1 h of activation time, which have resulted 980 m(2)/g and 0.559 cm(3)/g of BET surface area and total pore volume, respectively. The SEM images exhibited advanced high porosity development formed by oxidation-reduction reaction while FTIR confirmed the presence of various surface functional groups. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.