DefinePK

Abstract

The effect of carbonation temperature on thermal properties of the prepared activated carbon using oil palm kernel shell (OPKS) impregnated with phosphoric acid was studied. Porosity plays an important factor for activated carbon performance as a catalyst and it is developed from relatively high temperature during carbonation process. However, too high temperatures may result in widening of micropores and burning off the activated carbon. OPKS/H3PO4 activated carbons were prepared at 5000C, 6000C and 7000C with high impregnation ratio by weight, 2.5:1. The thermal behavior of these prepared activated carbon were analyzed using Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and the functional groups develop during the preparation were studied using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Results FTIR indicate the changes in the surface functional groups were manipulated when they are impregnated with activation precursor and carbonized at high temperature as comparison made with un-impregnated activated carbon. TGA analysis shows major thermal decomposition occurred only after the sample was heated up to 750:C. This indicates samples prepared are thermally stable.