Influence of Carbonization Conditions and Temperature Variations on the Characteristics of Coconut Shell Carbon

Abstract

This research aims to study the impact of carbonization atmospheres (ambient and nitrogen) and temperature on the properties of the coconut shell carbon (CSC) formed. To characterize the properties of CSC, the char yield percentage was calculated. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to study the surface morphology of CSC while X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis was done to identify the degree of graphitization. The carbon formed by carbonization under the nitrogen atmosphere yields lower char percentages compared to the ambient atmosphere. When the carbonization temperature elevated, both atmospheres produced a lower char yield percentage. This result is aligned with the SEM analysis where more and larger pores were observed from the carbon produced at higher temperatures and the result was further enhanced under a nitrogen atmosphere. It was found that the char yield of CSC decreased from 20.9% to 11.4% when the carbonization temperature increased from 400°C to 1000°C under the ambient atmosphere. More significant changes were formed through the carbonization process under the nitrogen atmosphere (from 18.3% to 6.03%). Pores formed when the volatile materials are released due to the elevated carbonization temperature, resulting in a reduction in total weight thus, the char yield percentage. From the XRD, all CSC produced from both atmospheres with varying temperatures poses an amorphous XRD pattern. However, the right shifted peak and the presence of an additional peak of ~40° suggest that under different temperatures and atmospheres, the crystallinity of the CSC produced was affected. This research provides insight for optimizing CSC production in the future to enhance the application of CSC.