The Physical and Chemical Properties of Activated Nanocarbon produced from Robusta (Coffea Canephora) Coffee Pulp under slow pyrolysis method

Abstract

This study examines the physical and chemical properties of nano-activated carbon obtained from Robusta coffee pulp. It also examines the potential use of Robusta coffee pulp biomass as a raw material for hydrogen storage. In this investigation, the dried coffee pulp samples were carbonized using the slow pyrolysis method at temperatures of 400°C and 500°C. A biochar product was obtained and activated using NaOH and ZnCl2 solutions. The analysis results Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) suggested that both carbonization and activation processes with NaOH or ZnCl2 solutions were unable to removed the caffeine content in coffee pulp. The Differential Calorimetric Analysis/Thermogravimetric Analysis (DSC/TGA) indicated that coffee pulp carbonization reached optimality within the temperature range of 400 to 500°C. Furthermore, the Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and N2-adsorption isothermal analysis showed that the surface pores of activated carbon had a honeycomb-like structure with a size greater than 0.7 nm which is applicable for hydrogen storage material.