A groundbreaking study from Nigeria Maritime University is shedding light on an innovative approach to carbon dioxide (CO2) capture using activated carbon derived from ripe plantain peels. Conducted by Emmanuel Rieborue Khama, this research not only highlights the potential of agricultural waste but also presents a promising avenue for addressing climate change challenges through enhanced CO2 adsorption techniques.
The study meticulously details the preparation of activated carbon from ripe plantain peels (PPAC), employing carbonization and activation processes with phosphoric acid (H3PO4). Characterization techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), revealed that the PPAC possesses unique sponge-like structures and well-defined pores, making it an effective medium for gas adsorption. “Our findings indicate that the irregular structures of the activated carbon significantly enhance its surface area and pore accessibility, which are critical for CO2 capture,” Khama noted.
The research team conducted extensive CO2 adsorption tests at different temperatures and pressures, discovering that the adsorption capacity increased with pressure. Notably, the performance of PPAC was superior at 27°C compared to 40°C. “This temperature dependency highlights the importance of optimizing conditions for maximum efficiency, which can greatly influence commercial applications,” Khama explained. The study found that larger particle sizes (845µm) yielded higher adsorption rates due to better surface area utilization and faster mass transfer.
Utilizing Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the researchers achieved an impressive model accuracy (R²=0.9973), which underscores the reliability of their findings. The optimization process revealed an optimal CO2 adsorption capacity of 9.69 mmol/g at 27°C and 100 bars, positioning PPAC as a competitive solution in the realm of carbon capture technologies.
The implications of this research extend beyond academia. With the energy sector increasingly focusing on sustainable practices and carbon reduction strategies, the utilization of agricultural waste like ripe plantain peels for activated carbon production could represent a significant leap forward. “This not only provides a sustainable method for CO2 capture but also adds economic value to agricultural by-products, potentially transforming waste into wealth,” Khama stated.
As the world grapples with the pressing need to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, innovations like those presented in this study could pave the way for more sustainable industrial practices. The study, published in ‘Zaštita Materijala’ (translated as ‘Material Protection’), serves as a crucial reminder of the intersection between waste management and energy efficiency, encouraging further exploration into the commercial viability of such eco-friendly technologies.
For more information about the research and its implications, you can visit the Nigeria Maritime University’s website at Nigeria Maritime University.
