Utilization of open-top gasifiers for sustainable activated carbon production: A resource-oriented study

The increasing demand for activated carbon in various industrial applications, such as air and water purification, energy storage, and environmental management, has led to a growing interest in sustainable production methods. Traditional methods for producing activated carbon often rely on non-renewable resources, leading to environmental degradation. This study explores the utilization of open-top gasifiers integrated with steam activation systems for the sustainable production of activated carbon from biomass residues. Biomass feedstocks such as coconut shells, apricot kernel shells, and sunflower seed shells were selected due to their high carbon content, availability, and suitability for gasification. The results show that the biochar yield ranged from 32% to 38%, with fixed carbon content between 65% and 75%. Steam activation at 850°C resulted in activated carbon with high surface areas (498-709 m²/g) and enhanced micropore volumes (0.12-0.18 cm³/g). The iodine number and methylene blue adsorption capacities confirmed the high adsorptive potential of the activated carbon, with values ranging from 900 mg/g to 1100 mg/g for iodine and 180 mg/g to 220 mg/g for methylene blue. The integrated system proved to be 20%-30% more cost-effective than conventional methods, offering significant environmental and economic benefits. This study provides a viable and sustainable alternative for activated carbon production, contributing to waste valorization and reduced reliance on non-renewable resources.