PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ACTIVATED BIOCHAR OF CÁSSIA FISTULA L. LEAVES

A new activated biochar was produced by carbonizing Cassia fistula L. leaves and its characterization was performed. Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) images of the activated biochar showed morphology with numerous irregular cavities and pores. BET surface area and total pore volume of produced adsorbent were 192 m².g -1 and 0.108 cm 3 .g -1 , respectively. Mean porous diameter of the produced biochar was 2.263 nm, characterizing a mesoporous material. Crystallinity and functional groups of the adsorbent were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses, respectively. The pH of zero charge point (pH zcp ) observed was equal to 10, demonstrating that the activated biochar has a negative surface, which facilitates the adsorption of positively charged compounds in water and wastewater treatment. Tree leaves of Cassia fistula L. represent a promising raw material for activated biochar production, given their availability and characteristics of the adsorbent produced. The use of tree leaves for activated biochar production can reduce the operational costs of adsorption process, besides providing the use of a residue for a more noble purpose.