Preparation of modified semi-coke by microwave heating and adsorption kinetics of methylene blue

J Microw Power Electromagn Energy. 2013;47(2):110-25. doi: 10.1080/08327823.2013.11689851.

Abstract

Preparation of modified semi-coke has been achieved, using phosphoric acid as the modifying agent, by microwave heating from virgin semi-coke. Process optimization using a Central Composite Design (CCD) design of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) technique for the preparation of modifies semi-coke is presented in this paper. The optimum conditions for producing modified semi-coke were: concentration of phosphoric acid 2.04, heating time 20 minutes and temperature 587 degrees C, with the optimum iodine of 862 mg/g and yield of 47.48%. The textural characteristics of modified semi-coke were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nitrogen adsorption isotherm. The BET surface area of modified semi-coke was estimated to be 989.60 m2/g, with the pore volume of 0.74 cm3/g and a pore diameter of 3.009 nm, with micro-pore volume contributing to 62.44%. The Methylene Blue monolayer adsorption capacity was found to be mg/g at K. The adsorption capacity of the modified semi-coke highlights its suitability for liquid phase adsorption application with a potential usage in waste water treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Coke / analysis
  • Coke / radiation effects*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Heating / methods*
  • Kinetics
  • Materials Testing
  • Methylene Blue / chemistry*
  • Methylene Blue / radiation effects*
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Phosphoric Acids / chemistry*
  • Phosphoric Acids / radiation effects*
  • Radiation Dosage

Substances

  • Coke
  • Phosphoric Acids
  • phosphoric acid
  • Methylene Blue