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Research Article Volume 10 Issue 1
Effect of treatment on the production and characterization of activated carbon from soya bean husk
Kazeem Ajadi Ibraheem, Ibrahim Ahmed, Farouk Otaru Abdulmalik, Nasiru Idris
Received: February 04, 2026 | Published: February 17, 2026
Citation: Ibraheem KA, Ahmed I, Abdulmalik FO, et al. Effect of treatment on the production and characterization of activated carbon from soya bean husk. Int Material Sci & Eng Int J. 2026;10(1):23-27. DOI: 10.15406/mseij.2026.10.00264
Abstract
This study
investigates the physicochemical transformation of soybean husk into activated
carbon using phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) and potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) as
activating agents. Results revealed significant reductions in moisture content
from 10 % in the raw husk to 5 % and 3 % in acid and base-activated samples,
respectively, indicating dehydration and increased hydrophobicity. Ash content
increased in both treatments more markedly in the base-activated carbon due to
retention of potassium salts and other inorganic residues. Bulk density rose
from 0.38 g cm⁻³ in the raw husk to 0.54 g cm⁻³ (acid) and 0.62 g cm⁻³ (base),
suggesting improved structural consolidation. Surface pH shifted from 6 to 7.4
and 8.0 for acid- and base-activated carbons, respectively, reflecting modified
surface acid–base behavior and adsorption selectivity. FTIR analysis confirmed
the removal of O–H, C=O, and C–O groups, enhancement of aromatic C=C bonds, and
emergence of P–O and K–O vibrations associated with the activating agents.
Overall, both activation routes successfully produced porous, functional carbon
materials. H₃PO₄ activation favored microporous, phosphate-enriched carbon
suitable for neutral or organic pollutant adsorption, while K₂CO₃ activation
generated hydrophobic, alkaline carbon advantageous for acidic species removal
and catalytic applications.
Keywords: soya bean husk, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, acid treatment, base treatment, bulk density, potential of Hydrogen
©2026 Ibraheem, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.