Preparation and Characterization of Micro-Pore/Meso-Pore Activated Carbon from Waste Penicillin Mycelium

Abstract

Waste penicillin mycelium (WPM) was treated by microwave hydrolysis in alkali condition to remove nitrogenous materials; the residue was used to prepare activated carbon. The proper conditions for activated carbon with better iodine adsorption are obtained: activation time 1h, activation temperature 300°C, ZnCl2 concentration 20% and impregnation ratio 1:4. In this case, the product is micro-pore dominated activated carbon. As for the preparation of activated carbon with better methylene adsorption, the optimal conditions are: activation time 2 h, activation temperature 500°C, ZnCl2 concentration 30% and impregnation ratio 1:4. In this case, the product is mesopore dominated activated carbon.