Adsorption of Zn2+ and Cu2+ Ions by Activated Carbon Prepared from Dates Stones Computational Approach

The aim of this work is to optimize the conditions for the preparation of activated carbon based from date’s stones by phosphoric acid activation using the surface response methodology of experimental design, which allowed us to predict the optimal conditions. In order to achieve our objective, we studied the influence of three key parameters (Pyrolysis temperature (Pyrol. T), Pyrolysis time (Pyrol. Tim) and Impregnation ratio (Impr. ratio)) on the responses studied (Zn2+ and Cu2+). A second-degree polynomial model was therefore used to model the influence of two key parameters. The concerned results, especially the theoretical operating parameters, allowed us to give a better condition for the preparation of activated carbon are (Pyrol. T about 600 °C, Pyrol. Tim equals180 min and Impr. ratio is 1.2). The characteristics of activated carbon obtained under these experimental conditions were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and polarizing optical microscope (POM). The produced activated carbon had a well-developed porous structure. The FTIR analysis indicates presence of variety of functional groups on the surface of activated carbon.