International Journal of Engineering and Technology

In this study, we investigated adsorption using activated carbon produced from the husks of tung (Aleurites fordii) fruits. These husks are obtained in the tung oil production. Activated carbon was produced from ground husks that were either treated or not treated with ZnCl2 and then carbonized at 650°C, increasing from 3°C min-1 to 700°C (10 min), followed by -5°C min-1 to 200°C in an inert atmosphere or in an aerobic atmosphere. The adsorption capacity of the activated tung carbon was evaluated in the laboratory using methylene blue (MB) dye as a standard adsorbate. The results demonstrated that the method for producing the most effective active carbon from tung husks involved ZnCl2-treatment prior to carbonization. This activated carbon product adsorbed 83% of the MB dye in 60 min and removed more than 97% of the MB within 24 h. Activated carbon produced with a precursor material with lower granularity (>0.5 mm) displayed better adsorption efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy of the ZnCl2-treated carbonized material revealed a heterogeneous, irregular surface with tubular structures that most likely increased the surface area. BET analysis demonstrated that the chemical treatment increased the surface area of the carbonized husks from 340.32 m² g-1 to 2201.57 m² g-1.