Alternate catalyst support from microwave-assisted activation of coconut tree fiber

Abstract

Coconut tree fiber (CTF), representing a potentials feedstock from agricultural processing, was developed to porous carbon by microwave-assisted activation. CTF was transformed into CTF char before further activation. The CTF porous carbons (CTFCs) were obtained by the microwave-assisted activation using KOH as an activating agent at 700 W microwave radiation power. To investigate the effects of KOH on specific characteristics of CTFCs, the different ratios of KOH:CTFs char (i.e. 1:1, 1:2, 1:4, 1:8 w/w) were studied. CTFCs were extensively characterized on physicochemical properties including proximate & ultimate analysis, porous characteristics, and surface morphology. The porous carbon exhibits a combination of type I/type IV sorption isotherm representing the micro/mesopores in its pore structure. The optimal condition obtained the highest SBET of 913.56 m2/g with total pore volume of 0.42 cm3/g. CTFC were potentially applied for metal catalyst support in various chemical reaction due to its high surface area and porosity to enhance the catalyst dispersion.