Development and Characterization of Mesoporous Activated Carbon From <i>Cassia fistula</i> Waste

ABSTRACT Waste derived from the Cassia fistula tree, including pods, leaves and bark, was used as a starting material for the synthesis of mesoporous activated carbon (M‐AC) through a single‐step chemical activation process. Characterization of the samples was confirmed by using SEM, XRD, BET, FTIR and EDX analysis. The porosity of M‐AC was confirmed using FTIR and SEM. EDX confirmed that the samples have high carbon content, approximately 60%, and are free from impurities. SEM analysis confirmed that M‐AC exhibits heterogeneous morphology with a globular porous surface. XRD analysis confirmed the amorphous nature of M‐AC. BET analysis confirmed that the maximum specific surface area of activated carbon was obtained at 1120 m 2 /g at an impregnation ratio (ZnCl 2 solution/ C. fistula pods) of 2:1 and a carbonization temperature of 600°C. M‐ACP exhibits a total pore volume of 0.90 cm 3 /g and an average pore size of 4.7 nm.