Comparative Characterization of Coconut-Derived Materials as Potential Adsorbents

Abstract

Industrial development and population growth increase water and air contamination. As such, adsorbents are used to eliminate or reduce pollutants from water and gas systems to protect water quality and gases. Biomass is a low-cost adsorbent that has gained considerable attention. This research aims to produce, investigate, and characterize coconut shell biochar (CSB) and compare it with the literature. Moreover, analytical techniques, such as scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), were used to characterize the coconut shell biochar. The proximate analysis of coconut shell biochar was 65.10% fixed carbon, 11.4% moisture, 20% volatile matter, and 3.5% ash. This research was then compared with previously published results of coconut shell (CS), coconut coir (CC), and coconut shell activated carbon (AC). The FTIR analysis of CSB demonstrated the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl, aromatic, and alkyl groups. The SEM analysis of CSB reveals an irregular surface with few pores. The CSB structure includes sheet-like surfaces and an increased surface area.  The study highlights the practical implications of CSB in sustainable applications such as waste management and soil enhancement. CSB offers distinct advantages over other materials, including a higher surface area and enhanced adsorption capacity, making it more effective for various industrial and environmental uses. Based on the findings of this work, CSB is considered a suitable raw material, which has excellent potential as an adsorbent for the adsorption of toxic gases.