Feasibility of Activated Carbon Production from Biological Sludge by Chemical Activation with ZnCl2 and H2SO4

Abstract

The transformation of surplus biological sludge to activated carbon by chemical activation with H₂SO₄ and ZnCl₂ was investigated. The best result was obtained by pyrolysis and activation at 500°C for one hour with H₂SO₄. The surface area of the product was 257 m² per gram. The quality of the carbons was tested for the aqueous phase phenol uptake and compared with a commercial activated carbon.