Production of Bio-Sorbent from Banana Peel (Musa acuminate L) Activated with ZnCl2 for Carbon Monoxide Gas Emission Adsorption from Motor Vehicles

Abstract

Banana peel is one of the agricultural waste that is easily obtained, inexpensive, and can be prepared as environmentally friendly bio-sorbents. The purpose of this study was focused on producing bio-sorbent from banana peel waste (Musa acuminate L) with a chemical activation process using ZnCl2 activator as an absorber for motor vehicle exhaust gas emissions. The dried peels were carbonized in the furnace at a temperature of 400°C for 1.5 hours and followed by chemical activation using ZnCl2 at variation of concentration 1, 2, and 3 N during 1, 2, and 3 hours, respectively. Characteristics of bio-sorbent produced were identified using Fourier Transform-Infra Red (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Results showed that bio-sorbent characteristics of banana peel (Musa acuminate L) activated by ZnCl2 still meet the technical activated carbon quality requirements based on Indonesian National Standard (SNI 06-3730-1995) with a moisture content of 5.40-10.70%, ash content of 6.10-9.00%, and volatile matter 5.60-10.40%. The FTIR surface test results showed that bio-sorbent had an absorption of C-O, C=C, and C-H functional groups. On the bio-sorbent surface of the banana peel which has been activated with ZnCl2 appeared with a larger pore diameter (12.872-28.566 µm) when compared to the bio-sorbent surface before activation. Bio-sorbent of banana peel (Musa acuminate L) activated by ZnCl2 can adsorb CO gas emission levels up to 44%.