Preparation of Nano Activated Carbon from Plant Residues and Waste polymers by Microwave Technology

Abstract

Nano-activated carbon (NAC) was prepared from plant waste using a microwave oven by mixing different proportions of rice husks with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) waste and potassium carbonate as a chemical activation agent in the carbonization process, both carbonization and activation processes were carried out by irradiating microwaves at 600 W for 15 minutes, And The different weight   ratios of rice husks and polymer waste. The external surface area of ​​the prepared NAC samples was measured by adsorption of methylene blue dye from its aqueous solution method, in addition, the internal surface area was measured by adsorption of iodine from its aqueous solution. The surface morphology of the prepared samples was studied by atomic force microscope (AFM) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FSEM). In addition, the density, moisture content, and ash content of the prepared samples have also been measured. The results showed, That increasing the polymeric residue percentage during the carbonization process improves the specifications of the prepared (NAC) samples and increases their efficiency and effectiveness.