Characterization of Bio-Sorbent from the Pyrolysis of Patchouli Dregs to Remove Methylene Blue Dyes

Increasing textile production leads to a corresponding rise in dye waste, including substances such as methylene blue. Methylene blue poses a significant environmental challenge due to its non-biodegradable nature and high toxicity, which can adversely affect both human health and ecosystems. To address this issue, various methodologies have been explored, with adsorption emerging as a promising technique. This study focuses on employing adsorption utilizing an adsorbent derived from patchouli dregs and activated using hydrochloric acid (HCl). The research commenced with the pyrolysis of patchouli dregs at different temperatures: 300°C, 340°C, and 380°C for 1.5 hours. Subsequently, chemical activation was carried out using HCl solutions with concentrations of 0.3 M, 0.5 M, and 0.7 M. The resulting activated adsorbent underwent characterization to assess its morphological structure, functional groups, and crystalline composition. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed prominent pores in the patchouli dregs adsorbent post-activation, with a size of 14.699 μm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis demonstrated an irregular microcrystalline structure and amorphous nature of the activated patchouli dregs adsorbent. Additionally, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis identified active functional groups including O-H, C=O, C=C, C≡C, and C=H, which facilitate methylene blue adsorption. Characterization of the various iterations of the patchouli dregs adsorbent confirmed its suitability for methylene blue adsorption, meeting the quality standards outlined in SNI 06-3730-1995. These standards include a water content of 1.935%, ash content of 7.568%, and iodine adsorption capacity of 1,270.41 mg/g. In summary, this study elucidates the potential of patchouli dregs-derived adsorbents activated with hydrochloric acid for effective methylene blue removal, providing insights into their morphological, structural, and functional characteristics crucial for addressing the challenges associated with textile dye waste management.