Activated Carbon from Date Seeds for CO₂ Capture Applications

Considerations for reducing global carbon emissions are influencing the development of solid sorbents such as activated carbons for carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture. Adsorption efficiency often relies on method of preparation and starting or source materials. The use of agricultural wastes such as date seeds are regarded as cost- effective options to produce activated carbons for carbon capture. However, there has been no published study on the potentials of date seeds synthesized activated carbon for carbon capture. In preparing activated carbon (AC) from date seeds by physical activation technique, this study reports on the effects of pyrolysis temperature and activation time on the yield and adsorption capacities of AC produced. Optimal temperature for pyrolysis was 800 °C, while activation temperature which had the highest CO₂ adsorption capacity was 900 °C with a loading of 141.14 mg adsorbed CO₂/g activated carbon. Sample characteristics such as surface area and porosity, infrared spectra, and scanning electron microscopic images were also investigated in this study.