Proximate composition of some agricultural wastes in Nigeria and their potential use in activated carbon production

Abstract

The proximate composition of five agricultural wastes were determined and latter subjected to low temperature conversion process in the presence of nitrogen atmosphere.These agricultural wastes are Cocos nucifera husk,Theobroma cacao pod, Kola nitida pods and Plantago major peels(ripe and unripe peels). All the samples investigated have different intrinsic proximate compositions which affect the yields of their respective chars. Out of the sample investigated, Cocos nucifera husk recorded the lowest bulk density (0.0746g/cm3), ash content (3.95%),cellulose contents(0.52%) and has the lowest char yields.On the other hand ,Theobroma cacao pods recorded the highest cellulose content(41.92%),ash contents(12.67%), crude fiber content(33.60%) and has appreciably high char yields. The lignin contents of samples fell in the range of (6.06%-33.60%).The percentages of chars obtained after conversion at 4200C for each of the precursors were relatively lower to those obtained at 3600C.The percentage yield for all the samples fell within the range of 46 - 64% for 3600C and 43 - 58% for 4200C. Hence,because of their high carbon yields and their inherent compositions ,they can serve as precursors for activated carbon production.