High surface area microporous activated carbon from Pisum sativum peels for hexavalent chromium removal from aquatic environment

Abstract

This study demonstrates the use of an ecofriendly activated carbon (AC) prepared from pea peels by chemical activation with zinc chloride for the biosorption of Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions. The prepared AC was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analyzer (BET). Characterization of AC confirmed the presence of majorly carbonyl and hydroxyl groups, which constitute important adsorption centers. The results declared that prepared AC is designed to be a very good adsorbent for efficient removal of Cr (VI). The maximum adsorption capacity was 480.05 mg/g at an initial Cr (VI) concentration of 400 mg/L.

Keywords:

• Microporus activated carbon
• pea peels
• Pisum sativum
• hexavalent chromium
• removal

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University for funding this work through Group Research Project under grant number [RGP 1/11/42].