Activated Carbon from Palm Kernel Shell for Biogas Purification

Abstract

Biogas technology relies on anaerobic decomposition of organic matter, producing a gas mixture containing 40–70% methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and trace amounts of other gases. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of activated carbon derived from palm kernel shells, activated using NaOH, H3PO4, and Na2CO3, in enhancing CH4 concentration and reducing CO2 content in biogas purification. The research was conducted in two stages. The first stage involved preparing activated carbon from palm kernel shells using different chemical activation agents (NaOH, H3PO4, and Na2CO3). The second stage focused on purifying biogas produced from cow manure using a fixed dome digester. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed with one experimental factor (scrubber material), tested at six levels: control (no absorber), Ca(OH)2, H3PO4- activated carbon, NaOH- activated carbon, Na2CO3- activated carbon, and commercial activated carbon. Results showed that NaOH-activated palm kernel shell carbon had the highest iodine absorption, ash content, and moisture levels compared to the other activation agents. Furthermore, biogas purified using NaOH- activated carbon exhibited more than a 100% increase in CH4 and a CO2 reduction of up to 93%.