Identifying the effect of carbonization temperature on the porous structure and electrical conductivity of activated carbon derived from quail eggshell

The object of this study is to evaluate the potential of quail eggshells as a raw material for producing porous and electrically conductive activated carbon by focusing on the effect of carbonization temperature. The main problem solved is the lack of utilization of quail eggshell waste, despite its unique microporous structure and rich mineral and organic content. This underutilized waste, often discarded, represents an opportunity to align sustainable practices with the development of advanced materials for adsorbent and energy applications. The results showed that the activated carbon produced at a carbonization temperature of 400 °C had superior properties compared to higher temperatures (500 °C and 600 °C), with the highest surface area and electrical conductivity. FTIR characterization identified important functional groups such as O-H, C=O, C=C, and CaO, which support the formation of the carbon framework and contribute to the stability and functionality of the material. XRD patterns confirmed the hexagonal carbon structure, a desirable feature for maintaining structural integrity in demanding applications. SEM revealed irregular morphologies, while BET analysis showed a combination of micropores and mesopores. Under optimal carbonization conditions, activated carbon produced at 400 °C offers a combination of structural and conductive properties. It achieved a specific surface area of 296.875 m2/g, indicating excellent porosity for adsorption applications. Additionally, the material exhibited an electrical conductivity of 1.62×10-2 S/cm, which is suitable for energy storage devices such as supercapacitors and batteries. The decrease in these properties at higher carbonization temperatures highlights the importance of optimizing synthesis parameters to achieve desired outcomes. These structural and conductive properties make the material suitable for advanced applications in environmental remediation, renewable energy, and waste management. By converting quail eggshells into high-value activated carbon, the study demonstrates a feasible approach to reducing waste while contributing to eco-friendly material development. This study proves that quail eggshells can be effectively utilized, adding value to organic waste while increasing its economic viability