Evaluation of the thermochemical changes in agricultural by-products and in the carbon adsorbents obtained from them

The thermochemical decomposition of waste products from a coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), a nut (Juglans regia L.) an apricot (Armeniaca vulgaris L.), an almond (Amygdalus communis L. var amara DC.), a grape (Vitis vinifera L.) and a cherry (Prunus avium L.), as raw materials for producing carbon adsorbents, was investigated by DTA and TG. The thermo-oxidative and decomposition processes resulting in increased number of oxygen-containing functional groups of phenolic and carbonyl type are responsible for the high adsorption capacities of the carbon adsorbents. The thermochemical changes in adsorbents based on agricultural wastes are similar to those in commercial activated carbons. The adsorbents derived from apricot stones have the highest overall thermal stability.