Production of bioadsorbent from phosphoric acid pretreated palm kernel shell and coconut shell by two-stage continuous physical activation via N2 and air

In the present study, agricultural biomass; palm kernel shell (PKS) and coconut shell (CS) were used to produce high porosity bioadsorbent using two-stage continuous physical activation method with different gas carrier (air and N2) in each stage. The activation temperature was set constant at 600°C, 700°C, 800°C or 900°C for both activation stages with the heating rate of 3°C min-1. Two parameters including the gas carrier and activation temperature were determined as the significant factors on the adsorption properties of bioadsorbent. BET, SEM, FTIR, TGA, CHNS/O and ash content were used to elucidate the developed bioadsorbent prepared from PKS and CS and its capacity towards the adsorption of methylene blue and iodine. The novel process of two-stage continuous physical activation method was capable to emerge mesopores and micropores that were previously covered/clogged in nature, and simultaneously creating new pores. The synthesized bioadsorbents showed that the surface area (PKS:...