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Coconut shell derived ZnCl2 activated carbon for malachite green dye removal
R Sangeetha Piriya1, Rajamani M Jayabalakrishnan1, M Maheswari1
1Department of Environmental Sciences, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641 003, India
Summary
Coconut husk-derived activated carbon, treated with zinc chloride (ZnCl2), effectively removes malachite green dye from wastewater. This sustainable adsorbent shows potential for industrial effluent treatment and as an alternative energy source.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Adsorption Science
Background:
- Agricultural wastes, particularly coconut-based materials, are increasingly explored as sustainable adsorbents for industrial effluent treatment.
- Malachite green dye is a common pollutant in textile and other industrial wastewater, posing environmental risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize zinc chloride activated carbon from coconut agricultural waste.
- To evaluate its efficacy in removing malachite green dye from aqueous solutions.
- To investigate its potential as an alternative energy source.
Main Methods:
- Coconut-based agricultural waste was activated using zinc chloride (ZnCl2).
- Characterization of the activated carbon was performed using surface area analysis and zeta potential measurements.
- Adsorption experiments were conducted to assess the impact of contact time and initial dye concentration.
- Adsorption isotherm and kinetic models (Freundlich, intraparticle diffusion) were applied.
- Energy and thermogravimetric analysis were conducted.
Main Results:
- The ZnCl2 activated carbon exhibited a high specific surface area (544.66 m2 g-1) and good stability (-32.6 mV).
- Optimal dye removal (39.683 mg g-1) was achieved at an initial dye concentration of 20 mg L-1 after 3 hours.
- The Freundlich isotherm model best described the adsorption data (R2 = 0.978-0.998), indicating multilayer adsorption.
- The intraparticle diffusion model (R2 = 0.88-0.929) was suitable for explaining the adsorption kinetics.
- The material showed potential as an energy alternative to coal.
Conclusions:
- Zinc chloride activated carbon derived from coconut waste is a highly effective adsorbent for malachite green dye removal.
- The adsorption process is well-described by the Freundlich isotherm and intraparticle diffusion models.
- The characterized activated carbon holds promise for wastewater treatment applications and as a potential biofuel or solid fuel.
