Preparation of activated carbon from sugar beet molasses and adsorption of methylene blue

Abstract

Four activated carbon samples were prepared from sugar beet molasses with zinc chloride as the chemical activating agent at different temperatures (600-800 degrees C) and residence carbonization times (0-120 min.) under nitrogen atmosphere. The activated carbons were characterized by using N-2- BET surface area and iodine number measurements. The results obtained are found to be between 1368.5-792.2 m(2)/g, and 221-162 mg/g, respectively. Adsorption of methylene blue from aqueous solution on the activated carbons produced using sugar beet molasses has been studied. Equilibrium concentrations were determined by using a UV-spectrophotometer. The adsorption data of each carbon sample (including the commercial AC) was analyzed by Freundlich adsorption isotherms. Experimental data are fitted into the Freundlich equation.