Experimental Investigation on the Effect of Dry and Wet Activation Processes on the Morphological Properties of Activated Carbon Derived From Sugarcane Bagasse

ABSTRACT This study explores the impact of activation processes on the morphological properties of activated carbon. Carbon is initially produced through vacuum pyrolysis at three temperatures (500°C, 600°C, and 700°C), with a heating rate of 5°C/min and a residence time of 2 hours. The resulting carbon is then activated using both dry and wet methods at a carbon‐to‐KOH ratio of 1:3 and an activation temperature of 750°C for 1 hour. Pyrolysis carbon yields range from 36% to 28%, decreasing as pyrolysis temperature increases. Activation results in a weight loss of 40.2%–52.6%, with greater loss in the dry process. Ultimate analysis shows higher carbon content in dry‐activated carbon compared to pyrolyzed and wet‐activated samples. BET analysis indicates a significant increase in surface area after activation, reaching up to 1165.32 m 2 /g for dry‐activated carbon. The highest surface area, pore volume, and the smallest average pore diameter are observed in dry‐activated carbon derived from samples pyrolyzed at 600°C. SEM images corroborate BET findings, whereas XRD spectra confirm the presence of graphite and amorphous carbon, with increased intensity in activated samples. Statistical analysis reveals significant effects of pyrolysis temperature and activation method, and optimization results demonstrate strong agreement between predicted and experimental values.