SYNTHESIS OF ACTIVATED CARBON FROM PET PLASTIC WASTE BY H3PO4 ACTIVATOR FOR ENVIRONMENTAL TREATMENT APPLICATION

Abstract

The increasing environmental problems caused by plastic waste necessitate innovative waste management and resource utilization methods. This study
introduces a single-step approach to synthesizing activated carbon from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic waste, utilizing phosphoric (H3PO4) as the
activating agent. Optimal activation conditions of the experiment were identified with 20g PET soaked with 30mL H3PO4 and an annealing temperature of 800°C
for 60 minutes. Comprehensive characterization of the materials was conducted using SEM, XRD, BET, and FTIR techniques. The resulting activated carbon
exhibited a mesoporous structure with a high surface area of 655.595m2
/g. This activated carbon demonstrated a good removal efficiency for MB dye in aqueous
solutions, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 77.64mg/g. The effective conversion of plastic waste into a valuable resource highlights the significance of
innovative strategies in combating environmental degradation. The synthesized activated carbon's performance in adsorption-based remediation techniques
confirms its potential in addressing various pollution challenges, thereby offering new opportunities for the utilization of plastic waste.