Effect of heating temperature on the properties of chars and activated carbons prepared from oil palm stones

The effects of heating temperature of pyrolysis and activation processes on the textural and chemical properties of the chars and activated carbons prepared from oil palm stones, an abundant palm-oil mill solid waste, were studied. For both pyrolysis and activation, relatively high temperature was essential to develop pore structures in the chars and activated carbons. However, too high temperature would cause pore narrowing and pore enlargement during pyrolysis and activation, respectively. The temperature had an insignificant effect on the inorganic components of the chars and activated carbons, but affected their surface organic functional groups significantly.