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Development and Characterization of KOH-Activated Carbons Derived from Zeolite-Catalyzed Pyrolysis of Waste Tires

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  • Camila Aguilar-Ccuno

    (Professional School of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Process Engineering, National University of San Agustín of Arequipa, Santa Catalina Street No. 117, Arequipa 04001, Peru)

  • Rossibel Churata

    (Professional School of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Process Engineering, National University of San Agustín of Arequipa, Santa Catalina Street No. 117, Arequipa 04001, Peru)

  • Kattia Martínez

    (Professional School of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Formal Sciences, National University of San Agustín of Arequipa, Santa Catalina Street No. 117, Arequipa 04001, Peru)

  • Jonathan Almirón

    (Professional School of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Process Engineering, National University of San Agustín of Arequipa, Santa Catalina Street No. 117, Arequipa 04001, Peru)

Abstract

This study focuses on the production and characterization of activated carbons derived from the carbonaceous residue obtained through the catalytic pyrolysis of waste tires. A catalytic pyrolysis process was conducted at 450 °C and 575 °C, employing two zeolitic catalysts, the commercial ZSM-5 and a synthesized zeolite (PZ2), developed from natural pozzolan, which played a key role in the pyrolysis performance and the quality of the resulting carbons. After pyrolysis, the solid residues were chemically activated using KOH to improve their porous structure and surface characteristics. Comprehensive characterization was carried out, including textural properties (BET surface area and porosity) and morphological (SEM) analysis of the activated carbons, as well as crystallinity evaluation (XRD) of the zeolitic catalysts. The BET surface areas of activated carbons PZ2-T1-AK and PZ2-T2-AK reached 608.65 m 2 /g and 624.37 m 2 /g, respectively, values that surpass those reported for similar materials under comparable activation conditions. The developed porous structure suggests strong potential for applications in adsorption processes, including pollutant removal. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of zeolite-catalyzed pyrolysis, particularly using PZ2, as a sustainable strategy for transforming tire waste into high-performance adsorbent materials. This approach supports circular economy principles through innovative waste valorization and offers a promising solution to an environmental challenge.

Suggested Citation

  • Camila Aguilar-Ccuno & Rossibel Churata & Kattia Martínez & Jonathan Almirón, 2025. "Development and Characterization of KOH-Activated Carbons Derived from Zeolite-Catalyzed Pyrolysis of Waste Tires," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-24, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:11:p:4822-:d:1663130
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Luis Fernando Mamani-De La Cruz & Rossibel Churata & Angel Gabriel Valencia-Huaman & Sandro Henry Fuentes-Mamani & Jonathan Almirón, 2025. "Comparison of the Synthesis Method of Zeolite Catalysts Based on Pozzolan, Pumice, and Ignimbrite Applied to the Sustainable Pyrolysis of Polymers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-20, March.
    2. Song, Weiming & Zhou, Jianan & Li, Yujie & Li, Shu & Yang, Jian, 2021. "Utilization of waste tire powder for gaseous fuel generation via CO2 gasification using waste heat in converter vaporization cooling flue," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 173(C), pages 283-296.
    3. Jerzak, Wojciech & Sieradzka, Małgorzata & Wądrzyk, Mariusz & Magdziarz, Aneta, 2024. "Comparative study of grass pyrolysis over regenerated catalysts: Tyre ash, zeolite, and nickel-supported ash and zeolite," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 236(C).
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