Preparation and characterizations of activated carbon from banana fruit bunch with chemical treatments using hydrothermal processes

Activated carbons derived from banana fruit bunch were prepared using different chemical agents: phosphoric acid, zinc chloride and sodium hydroxide. Preparation was conducted with impregnation process and then continued with carbonization in hydrothermal reactor at 250 °C for 4 h. Characterizations were evaluated by Gas Sorption Analyzer, Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy and Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-EDX) and Fourier Transform Spectroscopy Infrared (FTIR). The optimal BET and total pore volume were obtained for the phosphoric acid with values of 113.10m²/g and 0.23cc/g, respectively. Morphology structure showed different types of surfaces and cavities. Functional groups of activated carbon impregnated with phosphoric acid showed various oxygen content This result indicates that preparation of activated carbon from banana fruit bunch using phosphoric acid will be good prospect for the future.