Comparative study of two activated carbons from Borassus aethiopum produced in electric and artisanal furnaces

Abstract

The comparison of activated carbons of Borassus aethiopum produced in an electric and artisanal furnaces showed similarities and differences in their characteristics. The activated carbon produced in an electric furnace (BA-AC FE) with a specific surface area of 888 m2 /g is less microporous than the activated carbon produced in an artisanal furnace (BA-AC FA) which has a specific surface area of 1431 m2 /g. Also, with its BM index (IBM) of 329.5 mg/g the BA-AC FE is more macroporous than the AC-BA-Fa which has an IBM of 28.8 mg/g. This, importance of macroporosity on the AC-BA-FE allowed to obtain an abatement rate of 95.11 % of BM against 72.24 % for the AC-BA Fa. Both carbons have type IV adsorption isotherms. In view of the good characteristics of the BA-AC FA activated carbon, the water issue can be improved in rural areas by building artisanal furnaces. These will allow to produce quality activated carbon and to design carbon filters.