Low-Cost Activated Carbon for Methylene Blue Adsorption Using Inert Gas-Free Carbonization and Microwave Activation

Abstract

-This study investigated the preparation of activated carbon from spent coffee grounds for methylene blue adsorption using inert gas-free carbonization and microwave activation. Spent coffee grounds were obtained from a local coffee shop in Pathio, Chumphon, Thailand. The coffee grounds were pretreated with 1M H2SO4 before undergoing carbonization at 600 ºC for 3 h in a limited-oxygen atmosphere. The obtained carbon materials were chemically activated with zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and physically activated using a microwave-assisted method at 300 W for 180 seconds. The adsorption of methylene blue was evaluated using a batch method. Methylene blue adsorption contact time, effect of pH, and initial concentration were investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity of the activated carbon for methylene blue removal was found to be 29.24 mg/g. The prepared activated carbon exhibited a BET surface area of 70.08 m2/g and reached equilibrium in 120 min at the optimum pH of 9. The adsorption isotherm was consistent with the Freundlich model, while the adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model. The findings indicate that activated carbon is a cost-effective and efficient adsorbent for methylene blue removal from aqueous solutions.