A Novel Banana Leaf Waste-Based Activated Carbon for Automobile Emission Control

Abstract

Recycling of plant and vegetable wastes is very much needed for improving the economy and minimizing wastages of materials. This can be a very beneficial act toward the progress of society overall. Environmental pollution issues especially from automobiles are also much decreased by this. Activated carbon is better known for its characteristics and applications in the areas of gas absorption, water purification and as composite reinforcement fillers. In this current research work, an attempt is made to economically synthesize activated carbon from dried banana leaf waste taken from a local vegetable market. This is characterized by measuring moisture content, ash content, bulk density, yield of charcoal, fixed carbon and hardness. Gas adsorption test is conducted using Atlon gas analyzer for various engine speeds. Its effect on being porous is analyzed by means of comparing its performance with the solid ones. Recycled banana leaves are used as the natural resource, and heat activation is used for converting the so-produced carbon into activated carbon. Potassium hydroxide is used for synthesizing porous activated carbon. Comparison is made between solid and porous activated carbons for better adsorbing capabilities for automobiles. Scanning electron microscopy was done to analyze the morphology of particles.