Single-Step Green Method of Synthesis of Activated Carbon from Lignocellulosic Biomass Waste of Jacaranda mimosifolia for Sustainable Water Purification

Abundant lignocellulosic biomass components have been a source of inspiration for designing complex materials with high surface area and potent applications in a wide variety of commercial products, including water purification, biosensors, catalysis, and others. Billion tons of lignocellulosic biomass waste are produced in a year. This lignocellulosic biomass waste could be a good source of precursor for activated carbon and other carbonbased nanomaterials. Activated carbon was prepared from Seed pods of lignocellulosic biomass of Jacaranda mimosifolia, which was treated as waste using a single-step green method of synthesis. Synthesized activated carbon was characterized using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), N2 adsorption/desorption, and Zeta potential. It was evident that the synthesis method was free from chemical use and thus eco-friendly. We have reported maximum removal of heavy metal, lead ion (Pb+2), and dye Eriochrome Black T (EBT) using prepared activated carbon was 58.77 and 286.56 mg·g-1, respectively. The adsorption was rapid, with 97% of Pb+2 and 90% of EBT adsorption accomplished within 60 min. The synthesized material could be used in the design of a filter for sustainable water purification.