Title: Activation of Teak Wood-Derived Activated Carbon Using Na2CO3 Salt
Authors: Sriatun, L. Sheti R, C. Azmiyawati
Volume: 10
Issue: 5
Pages: 255-261
Publication Date: 2026/05/28
Abstract:
The teak wood sawmill industry generates wood offcut waste that can be utilized to produce various value-added products, one of which is activated carbon. Teak wood meets the requirements as a raw material for activated carbon production. In this study, charcoal activation was carried out using Na?CO? salt as a chemical activating agent with concentration variations of 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, and 12.5% (w/w), combined with physical activation at heating temperatures of 300, 400, and 500 °C for two hours. The characterization of the activated carbon included moisture content, ash content, iodine adsorption capacity, functional group analysis, and surface area determination. The activated carbon was applied as an adsorbent in the bleaching process of used cooking oil. The bleaching efficiency of used cooking oil using Na?CO?-activated carbon ranged from 32.93% to 58.45%. This value of efficiency was significantly higher than that of un-activated carbon, which ranged from 14.08% to 19.59%. The activation of carbon using Na?CO? salt produced a better-characteristics compared to un-activated charcoal, including the lowest moisture content of 0.99%, the lowest ash content of 1.59%, and the highest iodine adsorption capacity of 1108.26 mg/g.