SORPTION AND CHARACTERIZATION STUDIES OF ACTIVATED CARBON PREPARED FROM POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE (PET)

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Collin G. Josepha*, S.M. Anisuzzamanb, Pak Yan Moha, E-W Amy Lima
aWater Research Unit, Faculty of Science and Natural Resources,
Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88999 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
bChemical Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering,
University Malaysia Sabah, 88999 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
*Corresponding author. Tel.: +6 088 320000 ext. 2117; Fax: + 6 088 435324; e-mail: collin@ums.edu.my

ABSTRACT. A series of activated carbons (ACs) were prepared from cut pieces of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) via semi-carbonization followed by physical activation using a two-stage self-generated atmosphere method. The best AC was obtained by using a temperature of 700°C and 5 hours of carbonization period. The percentage yield decreased with increasing activation temperature, whereas the activation time did not have a significant effect on the yield. With a moisture content and ash content of less than 10% and 1% respectively, this material was suitable for AC production. The BET surface area was measured at 515.41 m2/g, with a Type I isotherm and an H4-type adsorption hysteresis loop concurring that the AC was a microporous solid with chemisorption properties.

KEYWORDS. Activated carbon (AC), 2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5- DCP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), physical activation

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