Production and characterization of activated carbon from leather waste, sawdust, and lignite

Powdered activated carbon (PAC) was prepared from leather buffing waste, sawdust and lignite by carbonization at temperatures between 500 – 800oC followed by steam activation. Experimental results reveal a general decrease in yield of carbon residue with increase in temperature of carbonization. Samples of lignite recorded the highest yield (49.80 – 67.70%) followed by leather buffing dust (30.70 – 39.70%) and sawdust (25.10 – 37.20%). Activated carbon from these precursors, were also evaluated for percentage ash, fixed carbon, pH and bulk density. Adsorption studies carried out with methylene blue indicate that low temperature carbonization of precursors such as leather buffing waste favour production of carbon with better adsorption efficiency while high temperature carbonization produced carbon with better efficiency from sawdust and lignite. Activated carbon from sawdust and leather buffing waste show result which compare favourably with the reference carbon used. These carbons are recommended for use in the adsorption of dyes or decolourization of organic compounds and other substances in aqueous solutions.Key words: Activated carbon, carbonization, Steam activation, Adsorption efficiency, Leather buffing wast