Effects of Activation Temperature on Characteristics and Microstructure of Coconut Shell-Based Activated Carbon

Abstract

Research has been conducted on the effects of activation temperature variations on the
characteristics and microstructure of coconut shell-based activated carbon. The purpose of this
study was to determine the optimum activation temperature of coconut shell-based activated
carbon and its characteristics and to observe the microstructure morphology. The activation
process of coconut shell charcoal is carried out at a temperature variation of 500, 600, 700, 800,
and 900 °C with a holding time of 1 hour. The results showed that the optimum activation
temperature of coconut shell-based activated carbon was 700 °C. Testing in this condition resulted
in 4.86% of water content, 10.84% of volatile matter content, 2.04% of ash content, and 87.12% of
carbon content (based on Indonesian National Standard (SNI) No. 06-3730-1995). Morphological
observations of coconut shell-based activated carbon showed that pore formation had occurred at
a temperature of 900 °C.