Influence of activated carbons derived from corn roots on the removal efficiency of organic acids from wastewater

This study investigates the structural and sorption properties of activated carbon derived from corn roots of the "Pioneer 1921" variety by chemical activation with potassium hydroxide (KOH).It was found that carbonization in the temperature range of 500-800 °C resulted in a mass loss of up to 81.7%, indicating deep thermal decomposition of the lignocellulosic matrix and the formation of a carbon framework.Activation was carried out using 30% and 50% KOH solutions at KOH-to-carbon mass ratios of 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 at 700°C.The sorption characteristics were evaluated based on the adsorption of methylene blue from aqueous solutions with different concentrations.It was established that increasing both the concentration of the activating agent and its mass ratio relative to carbon leads to an increase in adsorption capacity and specific surface area.The maximum specific surface area calculated from monolayer adsorption data and the BET method reached 723 m²/g for sample K50:3.Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the formation of a predominantly amorphous turbostratic structure with well-developed microporosity and the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups.Adsorption experiments with acetic acid showed an increase in solution pH from 3.12 to 5.80-7.15depending on activation conditions, confirming the effectiveness of the obtained adsorbents for wastewater treatment from organic acids.The obtained results demonstrate the potential of renewable agricultural raw materials as precursors for the synthesis of efficient carbon adsorbents for environmental applications

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