Water purification efficiency of activated carbon structures upcycled from wastepaper

Abstract

This study investigated the commercial potential of using paper wastes, such as printing paper and kraft paper, as a sustainable precursor for the production of activated carbon. Different paper wastes were subjected to similar activation and carbonization process, and the resulting activated carbons were characterized for their physicochemical properties using mathematical calculations, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface analysis, and Raman microscopy. The activated carbons produced from theses paper wastes were evaluated for its ability to purify methyl orange by means of UV-Vis spectroscopy, Adsorption Kinetic Model, and Adsorption Isotherm Model. The study found that these activated carbons produced from paper waste exhibited excellent adsorption properties. Moreover, the utilization of paper waste as a precursor for activated carbon production demonstrated both economic and environmental benefits, providing a sustainable solution for waste management while reducing the dependence on non-renewable resources. Overall, this study suggests that using paper wastes as a precursor for activated carbon production has significant commercial potential, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for various applications.