Preparation and characterization of activated carbon produced from eriobotrya japonica seed by chemical activation with ZnCl2

This study reports the utilization of Eriobotrya japonica seed in activated carbon arranging by chemical activation with ZnCl2 agent and the effect of carbonization situations surface properties. The influences of diverse activation temperatures (500, 600, 700 °C) on the pore structure properties of activated carbons were discussed by using N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The conclusions indicated that the carbonization temperature have favourable effect on Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface field, aggregate pore volume. The highest Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area of activated carbon produced at 700 °C was 1079 m2/g, total pore volume was 0.52 cm3/g, carbonization time was 2 h and impregnation rate was 1/1. Eriobotrya japonica activated carbon (EJAC)-ZnCl2 can be considered as an ideal low-expense and eco-friendly adsorbent. © 2018 Chemical Publishing Co. All Rights Reserved.