Synthesis of Activated Carbon From Scrap Tires With Petroleum Kerosene As A Decomposition Auxiliary Agent

In this study, we report for the first time the use of kerosene, a petroleum-based product, as an auxiliary decomposition agent to produce scrap tire-based activated carbon with a high surface area. the scrap tires tread was converted to char using multi-step pyrolysis starting at 250 °c through 350 °c. we carried out the rubber decomposition with and without using kerosene in a small amount, followed by steam activation. we evaluated the chars through adsorption-desorption isotherm, electron microscopy, dye removal besides iodine number. the results revealed that the specific surface area of the kerosene treated sample was 1227 m^2/g, whereas the non-kerosene treated char was 473 m^2/gm. the electron microscopic results of the kerosene treated sample demonstrated significant changes in the char's topography surface compared to the untreated samples. in addition, the products showed exceptional ability to eliminate synthetic methylene blue dye from the aqueous solution, suggesting a great potential in the wastewater treatments of the textiles industry.