Synthesis and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Giant Sour Tamarind Fruit Shell by KOH Activation

Activated carbon, recognized for its high porosity and adsorption capabilities, finds widespread applications in water purification, air filtration, and energy storage. This study investigated the synthesis of activated carbon from giant sour tamarind fruit shell, an agricultural waste by-product, employing a two-step chemical activation process with potassium hydroxide (KOH) at varying activation temperatures (600, 700, and 800 °C). The BET surface area, pore volume, adsorption average pore diameter, pore size distribution, and adsorption isotherm were examined to characterize the properties of the giant sour tamarind fruit shell activated carbon. Results indicate that the activated carbon obtained at 800 °C exhibited the highest BET surface area (572.61 m²/g) and total pore volume (0.2563 cm³/g), coupled with the smallest adsorption average pore diameter (1.79 nm). The adsorption isotherm displayed characteristics of Types I/IV, suggesting a micro-mesoporous carbon structure.