Optimization of Activated Carbon Production From Balanites Aegyptiaca Trunk for the Removal of Iodine and Methylene Blue in Aqueous Solution
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This work focuses on optimizing the production of activated carbons (ACs) produced by chemical activation with orthophosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) from the trunk of Balanites aegyptiaca (BA), for use in the removal of iodine and methylene blue (BM) from aqueous solutions. Eleven (11) varieties of activated carbon were produced by varying the H₃PO₄ concentration (20, 25, and 30%), the impregnation ratio (24, 32, and 48%), the impregnation time (12, 16, and 24 h), and the pyrolysis temperature (400, 450, 500, and 600 °C). The ACs were characterized by pyrolysis yield, iodine value, methylene blue value, and textural analysis. The results show high pyrolysis yields (57.38 to 77.71%), iodine values between 934.19 and 987.14 mg/g, and BM adsorption capacities ranging from 611.83 to 617.01 mg/100 g. CAE-BA-25%-450°C-12h activated carbon exhibits the best iodine value (987.14 mg/g), while CAE-BA-25%-450°C-16h develops the best BET specific surface area (393.6 m²/g) and the best BM adsorption capacity (617.01 mg/100 g).
Institution: Université Abdou Moumouni
Language: English
Subfield: Water Science and Technology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7212969898