Optimization of Preparation Conditions for Nano Porous Catalytic Carbon From Post Consumer Poly Ethylene Terphthalate Bottles Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

Using response surface techniques, this research proposes the best conditions for producing Nano porous catalytic carbon from post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The carbon yield and surface area of post-consumer PET-based AC is evaluated. The PET-based AC was rendered using a zinc chloride-based chemical activation technique (ZnCl₂). The results of three preparation variables, including activation temperature, activation time, and chemical impregnation (ZnCl₂:char) ratio, on both surface area and yield, were studied. To assess the impact of planning conditions on responses, the central composite design (CCD) method was used Quadratic models for surface area and yield were constructed using the CCD. The study of variance revealed the effects of the three main parameters, the properties of activated carbon, and the important factors on each experimental design reaction (ANOVA). Using a 5% impregnation ratio, a 1000°C activation temperature, and the best conditions for PET-based AC preparation were found to be at 60-minute activation time, yielding 1102.62 m²/g of surface area and a 16.218 % yield.