KARAKTERISASI ARANG AKTIF TONGKOL JAGUNG BERBASIS METODE REFLUKS DALAM LARUTAN ASAM FOSFAT (H3PO4)

Abstract

This study aim to determine the optimum reflux time and concentration of phosphoric acid solution (H₃PO₄) in the activation process of activated carbon from corncobs, as well as to evaluate the resulting increase in surface area. The use of corncob waste as a source for activated carbon is anticipated to offer both economic benefits and a solution for waste management. Activation is carried out through carbonization using a vertical furnace and continued with chemical activation with variations in reflux time (30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 minutes) with concentrations (15, 25, and 30%). The carbonization process occurs in a vertical furnace at a temperature of 600°C. Characterization analysis of corncob powder is conducted in accordance with SNI No. 06-3730-1995, which includes assessments of water content, ash content, volatile content, pure carbon, and iodine absorption capacity. Additionally, morphological analysis is performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the optimum reflux time was 30 minutes and the optimum H₃PO₄ concentration was 30% with an iodine adsorption capacity of 879.41 mg/g, which meets SNI standards. SEM analysis showed significant changes in the pore structure, indicating an increase in the surface area and adsorption quality of activated carbon.