Abstract:
Nypa leaves (Nypa fruticans Wurmb) can be use as activated carbon due to cellulose,
hemicellulose and protein content. The purpose of this study was to optimize the
activation time of nypa leaves carbon. In this study, carbonization method by furnace at
500oC and physical activation by 600 W of microwave with time variation (5, 10, and
15 minutes). Characteristic of active carbon of nypa leave was characterized by SNI
No. 06-3730-1995, and surface morphology analysis by SEM. The optimum activation
time was at 10 minutes that produced 1.68% of water content, 17.33% of ash content,
740.0416mg/g of iodine adsorption, 8,8406 mg/g of methylene blue adsorption and
32,7785m2/g of surface area. Based on the result of the study, it can be concluded that
microwave irradiation can be produce as activated carbon with better quality.
