Single Step Green Method of Synthesis for Activated Carbon from Lignocellulosic Biomass Waste of Jacaranda mimosifolia for Sustainable Water Purification

Abstract

Abundant lignocellulosic biomass components have been a source of inspiration for designing complex materials with high surface area and potent applications in wide variety of commercial products including water purification, biosensors, catalysis and others. Billion tons of lignocellulosic biomass waste are produced in a year. These lignocellulosic biomass waste could be the good source of precursor for activated carbon and other carbon-based nanomaterials. Activated carbon were prepared from Seed pods of lignocellulosic biomass of Jacaranda mimosifolia which treated as waste using single step green method of synthesis. Synthesized activated carbon was characterized using high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), N₂ adsorption/desorption and Zeta potential. It was evident that the synthesis method was free from chemical use and thus eco-friendly. We have reported maximum removal of heavy metal, lead ion (Pb⁺²) and dye Eriochrome Black T (EBT) using prepared activated carbon was 58.77 and 286.56 mg·g^-1 respectively. The adsorption was rapid with 97% of Pb⁺² and 90% of EBT adsorption accomplished within 60 min. The synthesized material could be used in design of filter for sustainable water purification.