Activated carbon obtained from the cotton processing wastes

Activated carbon (AC) was obtained from the cotton (Gossypium malvaceae) processing waste materials. The process was carried out by carbonization at 500-800 degrees C and subsequent activation at 800 degrees C by water stream. Cotton biomass is a renewable, low-cost alternative source for textile and food products; however, it hasn't been used for manufacturing of an activated carbon by carbonization in a boiling layer method. Characterization of adsorbents by means of Scanning Electronic Microscope and FT-IR showed that high porosity of carbonized products which was achieved and functional groups were formed. Bulk density of the obtained AC included more developed porous structures than their industrial analogues such as wood activated charcoals (WAC). Treatment of AC with 5% hydrochloric acid resulted in decreasing of an ash content by 3-10 times in the treated samples in comparison with the initial raw material. Prepared AC showed high adsorptive ability for iodine, chlorine and sulfur dioxide. Our results suggested that we can produce high quality activated carbon from cotton biomass waste materials for various adsorbent applications allow for a wide spectrum of pollutants.