Fundamental study of carbon materials from empty fruit bunch via hydrothermal carbonization with H3PO4 and naoh activation

Abstract

Lignocellulosic biomass has great potential as an energy source or feedstock for further conversion. Empty fruit bunches (EFBs) were agricultural waste materials from palm oil production. In this research, we aim to study the morphology of hydrochars derived from EFBs via hydrothermal treatments with phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) activation at different concentrations (i.e., 0.5, 0.7, and 1 M) at 200°C for 12 h, followed by carbonization at 700°C under nitrogen atmosphere for 2 h. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy and specific surface analysis. After carbonization, the hydrochar activated by 1.0 M H3PO4 possessed the highest surface area of 590 m2/g with the dominance of micropores. Hydrothermal carbonization with acid-base activation showed an effective method in preparing high porous activated carbon from EFB.