DEVELOPMENT AND FUNCTIONALIZATION OF ACTIVATED CARBON FROM RAFFIA PALM (RAPHIA SPP) TRUNK FOR WATER PURIFICATION APPLICATIONS.
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study focuses on the development and functionalization of activated carbon from raffia palm (Raphia spp.) trunk for water purification applications. The raffia palm trunk, an abundant agricultural residue, was carbonized and chemically activated using phosphoric acid (H3PO4), followed by surface functionalization with sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄). Characterization techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, were employed to examine the surface properties of the synthesized activated carbon. FTIR results revealed the introduction of oxygen- and sulfur-containing functional groups such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, phosphate, and sulfonic groups after activation and functionalization, indicating enhanced surface reactivity. BET analysis showed a significant increase in surface area (427.154 m²/g), total pore volume (0.385 cm³/g), and average pore diameter (3.61 nm), confirming the material’s mesoporous structure and high adsorption potential. These findings demonstrate that raffia palm trunk-derived activated carbon possesses favorable physicochemical properties for the adsorption of heavy metals, dyes, and organic pollutants from aqueous media. The study highlights the potential of raffia palm trunk as a sustainable, low-cost precursor for producing efficient adsorbents, contributing to waste valorization, environmental protection, and circular economy practices in water purification.
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