Abstract:
Oil palm frond biomass (PS) has been widely used as an activated carbon source
in various ways of synthesis and various characters. In this research studied the
character of activated carbon synthesized from PS biomass through physical
activation in the conventional microwave at low power for a short time. Synthesis
was begun with carbonization step, chemical activation using KOH and physical
activation by a microwave with an irradiation time of 5, 10 and 15 minutes at a
power of 200 W, respectively. The particle size was provided 100 ≤ x ≤ 200
(mesh). Several characters of activated carbon were determined according to SNI
No.06-3730-1995, including moisture and ash content, as well as iodine
adsorption capacity. At the same time, the yield of activated carbon obtained from
each synthesis step was also determined. The results showed that the moisture, ash
and the yield of activated carbon increased with increasing irradiation time. The
iodine adsorption by the activated carbon increased up to 10 minutes, A10D200.
The moisture and ash content, as well as iodine adsorption capacity of activated
carbon have complied with SNI No.06-3730-1995. In the APS sample, only the
water content (3.26%) complied with the relevant SNI. A10D200 is the best
activated carbon from this research.
