Characterization of Plantain Peels Activated Carbon Supported with Iron Nanoparticles after Adsorption of Hydrogen Sulfide from Biogas

In this research, the characteristics of Musa paradisiaca (MP) iron-functionalysed activated carbon (AC) after adsorption of H2S from biogas were demonstrated. The AC was chemically impregnated with potassium hydroxide (KOH) and then carbonised at a temperature of 500 degrees C for 3 h for activation. The activated carbon was then functionalized with iron oxide (Fe2O3) and labelled BANK-Fe. The Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) adsorption test was performed on a fixed bed column. The biogas flow rate was 1 L center dot min(-1) with 25% water (w/w) added. This test resulted in an adsorption capacity of 9.86 mgH(2)S center dot g(-1) after a saturation time of 615 min. This was satisfactory for the purposes of biogas treatment. The present work is a follow-up to the adsorption tests already carried out. The analyses on the functionalized activated carbon sample after adsorption underwent a physical and chemical change. The surface morphology was modified: the more or less homogeneous asperities of the BANK-Fe (before adsorption) gave way to a relatively more amorphous form. Sulphur elements were detected in the sample after adsorption (1.11%), in contrast to the starting sample (0.00%). This confirms the adsorption of H2S from the biogas. Oxygen and Iron in BANK-Fe decreased by 39.49% and 94.16% respectively in atomic concentration, which proves that they reacted and played a role in the H2S adsorption mechanism.