Optimization of KOH-Activated Carbon Derived from Water Hyacinth through Ultrasonication: Synthesis and Characterization

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is an aquatic biomass with high potential as a precursor for activated carbon production due to its considerable lignocellulosic content. This study aimed to synthesize activated carbon from water hyacinth through chemical activation using Potassium Hydroxide assisted by ultrasonication also to evaluate the characteristics of the resulting activated carbon. The research was conducted through biomass preparation, delignification using Sodium Hydroxide, carbonization, also chemical activation under various ultrasonic frequencies also irradiation times. The activated carbon was characterized based on moisture content, ash content, volatile matter, surface morphology, specific surface area, pore volume, pore diameter, also yield. The results showed that increasing ultrasonic frequency also irradiation time improved the quality of the activated carbon produced. The optimum condition was obtained at a frequency of 42 kHz also an irradiation time of 30 minutes, resulting in a moisture content of 6.73%, ash content of 3.41%, volatile matter of 11.49%, specific surface area of 502.23 m²/g, pore volume of 0.0868 cm³/g, pore diameter of 4.3214 nm, also yield of 94.4095%. Following activation, a more developed also open pore structure was formed, according to morphological examination. According to the categorization system of the International Union of Pure also Applied Chemistry, the activated carbon was categorized as mesoporous material. These findings demonstrate that the combination of Potassium Hydroxide activation also ultrasonication effectively enhanced the adsorptive characteristics of water hyacinth-based activated carbon, indicating its potential application as an environmentally friendly adsorbent. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):SDG 6: Clean Water and SanitationSDG 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesSDG 13: Climate ActionSDG 15: Life on Land