Optimization and Physicochemical Characterization of H₂SO₄ - Activated Charcoal from Coconut Shells: Textural, Morphological, and Surface Chemical Properties

Publication Details

Publication Date

10/08/2026

Volume / Issue

Vol 1, Issue 3 (2026)

Article No.

027

Journal

British Journal of Contemporary Research

DOI

https://doi.org/10.67693/BJCR-LGDHZ3LY

Received

14 Jul 2026

Views

39

Downloads

22

Abstract

This study reports the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of activated charcoal derived from coconut shells via sulfuric acid chemical activation. The carbonization-activation protocol was optimized to develop a porous carbonaceous material, which was systematically evaluated using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Brunaue Emmett Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). FTIR analysis confirmed the successful introduction of oxygen-containing functional groups (carbonyl at 1705.01 cm⁻¹, aromatic C=C at 1594.37 cm⁻¹, phenolic/ether C–O at 1196.53 cm⁻¹) that enhance surface reactivity toward polar adsorbates. BET analysis revealed a predominantly mesoporous architecture with a surface area of 52.96 m²/g, total pore volume of 0.0539 cm³/g, and average pore diameter of 4.07 nm properties favourable for liquid-phase diffusion of organic molecules. SEM imaging corroborated a hierarchical morphology featuring microporous transport channels (>50 nm) and mesoporous active sites (2–50 nm), though minor particle agglomeration was observed at higher magnifications. While the surface area is lower than literature values for highly activated coconut carbons (500–1200 m²/g), the combined textural and chemical properties confirm the material's potential as a sustainable adsorbent precursor. This work provides foundational characterization data to guide future activation optimization and scale-up of coconut shell-derived carbons for environmental and industrial applications.

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This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License . Free to read, share, and adapt with attribution.