Preparation of Mesoporous Activated Carbon from Jackfruit PPI-1 Waste and Development of Different Surface Functional Groups

Jackfruit PPI-1 variety was selected as source of lignocellulose material. Its rind and pulp waste was used as precursor for preparation of activated carbon. K₂CO₃ was selected as activating agent to prepare activated carbon. Various carbons were prepared by changing the impregnation ratio (IR) at different temperatures. Activated carbon prepared at 600°C and at IR1 had good BET surface area (987m² g^-1) and yield (61.97%). In order to introduce different functional groups, this carbon was divided into two parts. One part was subjected to liquid phase oxidation with 0.1N HNO₃ and the other part was soaked in 0.1N KOH for 3hours. SEM, FTIR, TPD, XRD and TGA analyses were done to identify surface morphological changes, nature of functional groups and thermal stability of activated carbons.