Novel Activated Carbon Produced from Iraqi Luffa (IL) with Organic and Inorganic Applications

Abstract

In this study, synthesis and characterization of novel activated carbon (AC) produces
from Iraqi Luffa (IL). This material was applied in organic and inorganic applications. The
results indicates that the quality of activated carbon samples is highly dependent on the
preparation conditions and the optimum results (of high volume and pore surface area) were
obtained by treating with potassium hydroxide impregnation ratio 1/2 . The highest yield
was 70% for all samples except AC5, indicating that the pores surfaces and structures of
these samples were the best developed.
Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) of activated carbon samples signposted that all of
these samples were stable between 250 – 350 oC, TGA-DTG(Differential thermal analysis)
showed that the initial weight loss begins at around 100oC. This means that the major weight
loss occurred in the temperature range of 285~500oC due to decomposition of cellulose and
lignin leaving behind a carbon preform.
The activated carbon samples were an effective adsorbent material for removing toxic
element (Lead) in water (or wastewater), the removal percentages were varied from 26 to
64%.
Also these samples could be used in organic applications as catalyst or catalyst support for
oxidation of chalcone using hydrogen peroxide.
The iodine number, methylene blue, ash content %, densities, thermal gravimetric analysis
(TGA) and Differential thermal analysis(DTG), in addition to IR spectra were used to
characterized these samples. Also atomic absorption was used to determined the quantities
of toxic element (lead).
Keywords:
Iraqi Luffa (IL); Activated Carbon; Catalyst Supports; Oxiranes Synthesis; Adsorption of Heavy
Metal Ions; (lead removal).