Activated carbons obtained from agro-industrial waste: textural analysis and adsorption environmental pollutants

In this study, we aimed to use as a new lignocellulosic precursor in the production of activated carbon. The physicochemical characteristics of the activated carbons obtained under optimum conditions were determined by using some techniques such as thermo-gravimetric (TG/DTG) analysis, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and surface functional group analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Boehm titration method and point of zero charge (pHpzc). In addition, the activated carbons were tested to remove phenols from aqueous solutions. The results indicated that activated carbon the orange peel, pine cone and yerba mate, could be employed as an alternative low-cost activated carbon for the removal the phenolic contaminants from wastewater.