Activated Carbon from Bagasse for Syrup Decolorization as an Alternative for Waste Management and the Assessment of Carbon Footprint

Abstract

The aims of this research were to produce activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse using carbon dioxide as an activating agent for syrup decolorization and to calculate its carbon footprint as an alternative waste management method. Sugarcane bagasse was prepared from carbonization process with a nitrogen flow rate of 0.2 L/min at temperatures of 500°C, 550°C, and 600°C for 20, 40, and 60 mins., respectively. A carbonization condition of 550°C for 40 mins was used to activate the sample with nitrogen and carbon dioxide at a temperature of 800°C. Activation time and ratios between nitrogen and carbon dioxide were compared to the existing chemical resin method for syrup decolorization. ICUMSA method was used at temperatures of 70°C-75°C and a pH of 7. Carbon footprint of 0.5 g activated carbon for syrup decolorization was 1.51 kgCO2-eq and 66% of carbon footprint value come from utilization step.