Examining and Optimizing Production Conditions for Producing Mesoporous Activated Carbon from Pepper Stems

In this study, in order for the activated carbon obtained by using pepper stems to reach the mesoporous structure, production conditions such as activating agent type (KOH, NaOH, NaOH- Na2CO3), agent ratio (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% w/w), activating time (1 day, 3 days, 5 days, 7 days, 9 days) and carbonization temperature (700 oC, 750 oC, 800 oC, 850 oC and 900oC) were examined. Additionally, the obtained ACs were characterized thermally, structurally and morphologically using TG-DTA, FT-IR, X-ray diffraction, and SEM devices. The BJH method was used for calculate and determine the pore size distribution. NaOH-Na2CO3, which has a basic character, had a higher micro and meso porous structure than other activating agents. 30% as agent rate, 5 days for activating time and 900oC as carbonization temperature were determined as ideal conditions to reach the mesoporous structure. By applying these conditions, the maximum pore diameter observed in raw BS was increased from 207 Å to 799 Å, and the pore volume density value was increased from 0.024 cc g-1 to 0.484 cc g-1.