CHARACTERISTICS OF ACTIVATED CHARCOAL FROM KETAPANG SEED SHELLS WITH VARIOUS CONCENTRATIONS OF PHOSPHORIC ACID (H3PO4)

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the optimal concentration of phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) as an activator in the production of activated carbon from ketapang seed shells. The research was conducted experimentally using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of four treatments and four replications. The treatments were variations in H₃PO₄ concentration, namely CBK₁ (6%), CBK₂ (8%), CBK₃ (10%), and CBK₄ (12%). The parameters observed included yield, moisture content, ash content, volatile matter content, fixed carbon content, and iodine adsorption capacity. The data were analyzed statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA). When the calculated F value was greater than or equal to the F table value, the analysis was continued using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 5% significance level. The results showed that increasing the concentration of H₃PO₄ had a significant effect on all observed parameters. The best treatment was obtained at CBK₄ (H₃PO₄ 12%), which produced activated carbon with a yield of 83.14%, moisture content of 2.63%, ash content of 3.90%, volatile matter content of 10.13%, fixed carbon content of 83.34%, and iodine adsorption capacity of 862.50 mg/g.