The preparation of activated carbon from macadamia nutshell by chemical activation

Different structured activated carbons were prepared from macadamia nutshell by chemical activation with potassium hydroxide and zinc chloride. The influence of process variables on the carbons' pore structure was studied in order to optimise these parameters. The results were also compared with those previously obtained on the chemical activation of coal. The most important parameter in chemical activation with both chemical agents was found to be the impregnation ratio. Carbonization temperature is the second important variable which had significant effect on pore volume evolution. Under the experimental circumstances studied, the optimum conditions in preparation of carbons with high surface area and pore volumes with both chemical agents are identified. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.