Statistical Optimization Of Production Of Activated Carbon Derived From Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch

Statistical optimization study for the production of activated carbon derived from oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) was carried out using response surface methodology. Chemical activation method using phosphoric acid was employed. A three-variable Box-Behnken experimental design was employed to evaluate the preparation of activated carbon. The activation temperature and retention time plus the phosphoric acid/precursor impregnation ratio for the production of activated carbons were optimized based on the percentage removal of Pb2+ from aqueous solutions. The optimum conditions for preparing activated carbon from EFB for Pb2+ adsorption were as follows: activation temperature of 8000C, activation time of 2hr and acid impregnation ratio of 1.5:1 (acid/precursor, wt basis) which resulted in 90.28% uptake of Pb2+. The experimental results obtained agreed satisfactorily with the model predictions. The result of adsorption studies showed that activated carbon produced from EFB is a good adsorbent for the removal of Pb2+ from aqueous solution.