Concurrent activation and surface modification (CAM) process to produce surface-modified palm kernel shell-derived activated carbon (PKSdAC)

Activated carbon production via chemical activation followed by surface functionalization with metal groups aims to achieve surface functionalization for CO2, aromatic/metallic organic compounds, and dye adsorption. The prepared activated carbon possesses a porous structure containing metal functional groups with adsorptive properties. This work proposed integrating two synthesis steps to simplify the process and reduce resources and impact. The preparation of palm kernel shell (PKS) derived AC (PKSdAC) through a concurrent activation and surface modification (CAM) process combines sulphuric acid (H2SO4) activation (5–10