Biomass-promoting routes for the synthesis of activated carbon (AC) have recently received considerable attention due to the advantages of this method: it is simple, cost-effective, and ecofriendly. This method is also an alternative way to avoid the unsafe practice of waste incineration. We describe the preparation of activated carbon from palm kernel shell (PKS) - an abundant biomass that is available in Africa and Asia. We investigated the effect of process variables such as impregnation ratio (ratio of H3PO4 to PKS) and carbonisation temperature (500-700 °C) on yield, microstructure, morphology, pore structure, and adsorption properties to optimise these parameters. Nitrogen adsorption isotherm analysis indicated that the AC was predominantly microporous in nature. Under optimal conditions, an AC with the highest surface area of 1560 m²/g was obtained. The aqueous adsorption test showed that the AC had significant removal capacity for methylene blue and iodine. The higher iodine value is consistent with the structural properties of the adsorbent, while the lower methylene blue value is consistent with the limited mesopore width. Considering the chemical and surface properties and adsorption properties of the AC produced, PKS has been shown to be an excellent precursor material for AC, thus solving the disposal problems associated with this biomass. SIGNIFICANCE: •AC significantly promotes adsorption and offers a low-cost and cleaner production method. •PKS could serve as a dependable precursor for the synthesis of porous AC. •This study provides useful information on how H3PO4-impregnated PKS influences the porosity of the resulting AC. •Differences in porosity, yield, and morphology and Brunauer-Emmet-Teller surface area are achievable using AC from PKS

O presente artigo relata a degradação UV-assistida de 1,4-benzoquinona em suspensões ZnO. As variáveis estudadas incluem a concentração de 1,4-benzoquinona, fotocatalisador, pH e carbono orgânico total. A concentração de 1,4-benzoquinona e o carbono orgânico residual foram medidos usando espectrofotômetro UV-Visível e analisador TOC, respectivamente. Os resultados mostraram que a fotodegradação da 1,4-benzoquinona foi independente do pH. A fotoatividade do ZnO foi máxima na concentração de 1,0 g L-1 e em níveis de 100 mg L-1 de 1,4-benzoquinona. Na faixa de pH 4-10 mais de 80% de 1,4-benzoquinona pode ser removida. ZnO demonstrou capacidade de reutilização no processo.

The present paper reports the UV-assisted degradation of 1,4-benzoquinone in ZnO suspensions. The variables studied include the concentration of 1,4-benzoquinone, photocatalyst, pH and the total organic carbon. The concentration of 1,4-benzoquinone and residue organic carbon were measured using UV-Visible spectrophotometer and TOC analyzer, respectively. The results showed that 1,4-benzoquinone photodegradation was independent of pH. The photoactivity of ZnO was maximum at 1.0 g L-1 concentration and at 100 mg L-1 1,4-benzoquinone levels. Within pH 4-10 more than 80% of 1,4-benzoquinone can be removed. ZnO has demonstrated reusability in the process.