Activated Carbon from Palm Date Seeds for CO₂ Capture

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Greenhouse gas emissions drive climate change.
• Carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) is a key mitigation strategy.
• Microporous carbon materials show promise for CO2 adsorption.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate CO2 adsorption capacity of palm date seed-derived carbon materials.
• Utilize green chemistry synthesis for material production.
• Correlate material properties with CO2 uptake.

Main Methods:

• Palm date seeds (PDS) converted to hydrochar and activated carbon (AC) via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC).
• Activation using KOH, H3PO4, or CO2 to produce activated HTC-PDS.
• Analysis of morphological, textural, chemical, and structural properties.

Main Results:

• PDS-derived carbons exhibit high surface area (>1000 m2 g-1) and micropore volume (>0.5 cm3 g-1).
• Maximal CO2 uptake of 5.44 mmol g-1 achieved with alkaline-activated samples.
• Lattice restructuring identified as critical for enhanced CO2 adsorption.

Conclusions:

• Palm date seed-derived carbons are effective adsorbents for CO2 capture.
• Material's structural and elemental properties, particularly lattice restructuring, are vital for adsorption.
• Highlights the importance of detailed analysis for optimizing carbon adsorbents.