Activated carbon prepared from corn biomass by chemical activation with potassium hydroxide

With the depletion of fossil fuel feedstocks, the lignocellulosic biomass, including the agro-wastes, can serve as the best alternative source to produce activated carbons (ACs). Corn biomass (corn leaves, stalks, cobs without kernels, silk, and kernels) were used to produce ACs in a two-step process. Crushed plant material was carbonized at 600 °C and then the obtained carbon was activated using potassium hydroxide at 750 °C. The content and type of surface oxygen functional groups were determined by the Boehm method and infrared spectroscopy. The porous structure of the obtained AC was determined by the nitrogen adsorption/desorption method at -196 °C, and the thermal resistance by the thermogravimetric method. The iodine number was also determined. The ACs derived from corn biomass were characterized with surfaces rich in chemical groups and revealed a highly developed porous structure. The specific BET surface area ranged from 1600 m2/g to 1965 m2/g. High values of iodine number approx. 1300 mg/g, indicated an extensive system of pores and their good adsorption properties.