Abstract:
Mahogany rind (Swietenia macrophyla K.) is a source of carbon contained in cellulose,
which is 41.9%, so it has the potential to be used as raw material for activated charcoal.
The purpose of this study was to determine the best conditions for the preparation of
activated charcoal as an adsorbent in methylene blue solution. In this study, mahogany
rind will be converted into activated charcoal through a process of carbonization and
chemical activation using KOH activator variations of 0, 2, 5, and 8% and physical
activation with calcination temperature variations of 450, 500, and 550oC for 60
minutes. The results showed that the best condition of activated charcoal from
mahogany rind was at a concentration of 2% KOH activator with a calcination
temperature of 500oC for 60 minutes. The best characterization data from these
conditions included 0.49% moisture content, 5.14% ash content, and 760.639 mg g-1
iodine adsorption capacity. The results of this characterization refer to the quality
standard of activated charcoal based on SNI 06-3730-1995.
