Characterization of Activated Carbon Prepared From the Nucleus of Ziziphus Lotus (NBEG): Isothermal Study and Kinetics of Adsorption of Methylene Blue

Abstract

Ziziphus lotus (Nbeg) is very common in Morocco where it occupies various ecosystems and presents different interests; however it remains devalued and knows recent deterioration due to the human pressure through clearing, wood collection, irrational cuts’ exploitation and overgrazing. This study aims to prepare activated carbon from the cores of this interesting biomaterial, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, according to a manufacturing process based on its chemical and thermal activation. The cores of Ziziphus lotus (Nbeg) were chemically activated by sulfuric acid (H2SO4, 98%) for 24h with a mass contribution (1:1), and then carbonized at a temperature of 500 °C for 2 hours. The obtained activated carbon was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and specific surface measurement. These characterization results showed an important porosity and a surface structure having acid groups and carboxylic functions. The adsorption of methylene blue (MB) was evaluated, by Langmuir and Freundlich models examination, in order to explain the adsorption efficiency in a systematic and scientific way. Also pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order kinetic models were used to identify the possible mechanisms of this adsorption process. The results showed that the MB adsorption process on activated carbon follows the Langmuir model and that the adsorption kinetic is best represented by kinetics data of the pseudo-second order model. Therefore, Z. lotus can be used as a low-cost available material to prepare a high quality activated carbon having a promising potential in the wastewater treatment.

Evaluation of Activated Carbons Prepared from Bioprecursors for the Removal of Cadmium and Chromium (VI)

“…Te process of preparation of activated carbon using the nucleus of Ziziphus lotus (NZL) and cofee grounds (GC) as raw materials follows several steps, according to Touzani et al [20,21]. Step 1: Te NZL and GC are washed, dried, and then crushed into fne particles; step 2: Chemical activation of the NZL and GC by sulfuric acid (H 2 SO 4 ) for 24 h; step 3: Te carbonization of the paste obtained after chemical activation is made at 500 °C for 2 h; and step 4: Te active carbons obtained are sieved with a sieve smaller than 100 μm.…”

Characterization of Ziziphus lotus’ Activated Carbon and Evaluation of Its Adsorption Potential

“…An earlier version of this paper, entitled: “Characterization of activated carbon prepared from then nucleus of Ziziphus lotus (Nbeg): isothermal study and methylene blue ' s adsorption kinetics” has been presented as “preprint” in “Research Square” under to the following links: https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-619904/v1 ; https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-619904/v1_covered.pdf?c=1631870918 [ 69 ]. In addition, one part of this work's results has been presented in a patent to the Moroccan office of industrial and commercial property, which has been accepted and published under the following reference MA 49232 B1 http://patent.ompic.ma/ .…”