DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/jksa.28.9.522-528

Effect of Carbonization Step on Surface Character of Activated Carbon from Cassava Peels and Its Simple Application for BTEX Adsorption

1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Satya Wacana Christian University (UKSW), Salatiga, Indonesia

2Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Satya Wacana Christian University (UKSW), Salatiga, Indonesia

3BMT Laboratory, Bogor, Indonesia

Received: 13 Jun 2025; Revised: 20 Nov 2025; Accepted: 25 Nov 2025; Published: 8 Dec 2025.
Open Access Copyright 2025 Jurnal Kimia Sains dan Aplikasi under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.

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Abstract

Activated carbon is obtained from biomass waste because it is cheaper and renewable from an environmental perspective. In cassava peel biomass waste, it is necessary to study the effect of the carbonization stage on the surface character and pore distribution of the activated carbon obtained. In this research, the study of the impact of the carbonization stage is continued with the application of adsorption to volatile compounds, specifically benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX). This study conducted carbonization at 400°C (t: 60 minutes) followed by dual activation stages, namely chemical activation (carbon: H3PO4 30%, ratio 1:5, w/b) and physical activation (furnace, T: 600°C, t: 60 minutes). After that, the activated carbon from cassava peels (CPAC) was applied as an adsorbent for BTEX. The results showed that CPAC has an amorphous character with O-H, C-H, C≡C, C=C stretching, C-O, and C=N functional groups. The carbonization step changes pore properties. CPAC-202 (with carbonization) has a mesoporous character with a surface area up to 198.233 m2/g, with the surface dominated by C and O elements. The selectivity of BTEX gas adsorption is more significant for toluene using CPAC-202, with the best adsorption reaching 6.418 mg/L.

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Keywords: Activated Carbon; Cassava Peel; Carbonization; Pore Distribution; Volatile Organic Compound
Funding: Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana under contract UKSW Fundamental Research Grant

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Section: Research Articles
Language : EN
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