Production of Activated Carbon via Grafting and Chemical Activation

Abstract

This research work was aimed to prepare active carbon from residual
petroleum refining product obtained from northern Iraqi refinery in Beji . The process
involve atmospheric oxidation through air blowing with constant flow rate for 48 hrs.
at 350°C . The oxidized asphalt was grafted with different percentages of authentic
lignin. The grafting process was carried out in the presence of limited amount of
potassium hydroxide at a temperature of 350-400°C for 3 hrs. and till no more physical
change in the nature of mixture was observed . Furthermore, Carbonization of the
grafted asphalt was carried out in the presence of twice the original weight of
potassium hydroxide . The process was carried out at 400-500°C , till no more
evolution of gases or vapor was observed.
Carbonaceous materials obtained through the process were purified by
washing with distilled water till the water eluate is neutral . Activation of the carbon
was carried out by refluxing with 30% HCl , washed with water and dried in the oven .
Evaluation of the active carbon was carried out through measuring its ability in the
removing of iodine and methylene blue from their aqueous solution.