Chemical production and characterisation of activated carbon from waste 'coffee grounds'

Activated carbon was prepared from grounds-coffee in this study. Experimental results reveal that for the ratio (0, 1 / 0, 3) of coffee grounds to activating agents (Zncl2, H3PO4) has not noteworthy influence. The rise temperature and carbonisation time respectively, in the interval of 500-700°C and 15-60 minutes have a considerable impact on the adsorptive capacities of the final product. However, this improvement increases the amount of ash. The chemical studies show that the activated carbon samples contain large quantities of mineral ions, mostly calcium, sulphate and phosphate ions. The adsorption tests, attest of the suitability of the product use in the wastewater treatments. Copyright © 2013 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.