Synthesis, characterisation and application of activated carbon as a smoke filter

Norli U, . and Nor Kartini A. B., . and Cheng, S. F. (2024) Synthesis, characterisation and application of activated carbon as a smoke filter. Journal of Tropical Forest Science (JTFS) (Malaysia), 36 (4). pp. 379-390. ISSN 0128-1283

Activated carbon (AC) synthesis and application have been extensively studied. However, reports on its deployment in smoke particle filters are limited. The present study synthesised AC from two agricultural wastes, namely coconut shell (CS) and palm kernel shell (PKS). The AC was incorporated into a custom-made smoke muffler to filter smoke from paddy straw combustion. Phosphoric acid, potassium hydroxide and zinc chloride were employed to produce the AC via a physicochemical method. CS and PKS were subjected to microwave radiation, a one-to-one (1:1) activation ratio, 30 min of impregnation time, and 4 min of radiation. Background studies were conducted on the starting materials, including lignocellulosic content and proximal and ultimate evaluations. The AC samples procured were characterised with Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR), Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) surface area, and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) analyses. The zinc chloride-activated CS (MZCS) produced the optimal AC under minimal conditions, documenting a 391.26 m² g⁻¹ BET surface area. Based on FESEM results, the MZCS distributed smoke particles evenly, demonstrating smoke adsorbent abilities. The results also indicated a favourable physical interaction between the surface and smoke particles. Conclusively, the MZCS possesses potential as a smoke filter.

Full text available from: Official URL: https://jtfs.frim.gov.my/jtfs/article/view/2962/19...

Abstract

Activated carbon (AC) synthesis and application have been extensively studied. However, reports on its deployment in smoke particle filters are limited. The present study synthesised AC from two agricultural wastes, namely coconut shell (CS) and palm kernel shell (PKS). The AC was incorporated into a custom-made smoke muffler to filter smoke from paddy straw combustion. Phosphoric acid, potassium hydroxide and zinc chloride were employed to produce the AC via a physicochemical method. CS and PKS were subjected to microwave radiation, a one-to-one (1:1) activation ratio, 30 min of impregnation time, and 4 min of radiation. Background studies were conducted on the starting materials, including lignocellulosic content and proximal and ultimate evaluations. The AC samples procured were characterised with Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR), Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) surface area, and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) analyses. The zinc chloride-activated CS (MZCS) produced the optimal AC under minimal conditions, documenting a 391.26 m² g⁻¹ BET surface area. Based on FESEM results, the MZCS distributed smoke particles evenly, demonstrating smoke adsorbent abilities. The results also indicated a favourable physical interaction between the surface and smoke particles. Conclusively, the MZCS possesses potential as a smoke filter.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	activated carbon
AGROVOC Term:	agricultural wastes
AGROVOC Term:	smokes
AGROVOC Term:	synthesis
AGROVOC Term:	filtration
AGROVOC Term:	combustion
AGROVOC Term:	microwave radiation
AGROVOC Term:	surface area
AGROVOC Term:	adsorbents
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Activated carbon, agricultural waste, coconut shell, palm kernel shell, smoke filter
Depositing User:	Ms. Azariah Hashim
Date Deposited:	16 Jun 2026 01:25
Last Modified:	16 Jun 2026 01:25
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/3721

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