Preparation of Activated Carbon from Local Biowaste as Fillers for Mixed Matrix Membranes

Mixed matrix membrane combines the ability of polymer matrix to separate liquid subtances by using size exclusion approach and functionalized fillers which able to enhance the separation processes. Activated carbon might potentially used as fillers in mixed matrix membranes as this porous solid has ability on absorbing fluid phase subtances. Two indigenous locally produced biowaste were examined in this study for production of biomass derived activated carbon, i.e. candlenut and pangium shells. Chemically based activation process utilizing 10% of ZnCl2, CaCl2 and CH3COOH, respectively. While carbonization temperature fixed at 400 ℃ and 600 ℃, respectively. Based on the evaluation, activated carbon derived from candlenut shell can absorp iodine up to 629.905 mg/g and surface area of 694.661 m2/g, by using CH3COOH activator agent. The pangium shell derived activated carbon has the average iodine absorption value of 693.564 mg/g and surface area up to 764.864 m2/g, using CaCl2 activator agent. It is concluded that these biowaste have potential application of activated carbon as a separator for many industrial processes, including the utilization as absorber filling in mixed matrix membranes.