This is an open access article under the CC BY license : Al-Khwarizmi Engineering Journal Al-Khwarizmi Engineering Journal ISSN (printed): 1818 – 1171, ISSN (online): 2312 – 0789 Vol. 21, No. 4, December, (2025), pp. 32- 44 Preparation and Characterisation of Activated Carbon from Pomegranate Waste Using Chemical with Microwave Activation Ali A. Hanoon1 and Sami D. Salman2* 1,2 Department of Biochemical Engineering, Al-Khwarizmi College of Engineering, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq *Corresponding Author’s E-mail: sami@kecbu.uobaghdad.edu.iqm (Received 18 September 2024; Revised 27 October 2024; Accepted 24 November 2024; Published 1 December 2025) https://doi.org/10.22153/kej.2025.11.005 Abstract This study presents the preparation method and characterisation of activated carbon (AC) from pomegranate waste by using chemical with microwave activation. Pomegranate peels in powder form were impregnated in 40–60 %wt sulphuric acid with different ratios (1:3 of pomegranate to sulphuric acid) and times (2–6 h) for chemical activation. The impregnated samples were activated in microwave under inert atmosphere at different powers (450–900 W) and activation times (7–21 min) to produce AC. Design-Expert software (version 13) was selected with the I-optimal method to analyse the effects of AC preparation variables. The preparation variables, including acid concentration, impregnation time, impregnation ratio, microwave power and activation time, with their effects on the adsorption capacity of methylene blue dye, were investigated. On the basis of the obtained maximum methylene blue number, the AC and raw material were characterised via Brunauer–Emmett–Teller test, field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X- ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Results indicate that the AC produced from pomegranate peels achieves a sufficient surface area of 1431.8 m2/g and a total pore volume of 1.6236 cm3/g with a spongy and amorphous nature with minor crystal characteristics. It can be used as a low-cost product with desirable surface characteristics. These results promote the use of AC prepared from pomegranate waste as an obtainable and low- cost adsorbent. Keywords: Pomegranate peels; Activated carbon; Sulphuric acid; Microwave activation 1. Introduction Activated carbon (AC) is a material that is similar to black charcoal; it exhibits a good pore structure and high surface area with significant mechanical durability [1]. AC is widely used in different applications, such as gas cleaning and separation [2], water purification [3-5], industrial effluent treatment [6-9] and pharmaceutical [10], catalyst, supercapacitor and electrode [11] applications. AC is popular because of its versatility in adsorbing various types of contaminants that range from dyes [4, 5, 8, 12], heavy metals [3, 6, 13], phenolic compounds [14], antibiotics [10], hydrogen sulphide [15] and carbon dioxide [16]. AC derived from agricultural by-products is a viable and affordable substitute for conventional AC derived from hardwood or petroleum-based sources. Agricultural by-products are widely accessible and abundant, making them desirable as raw materials for the manufacture of AC. Given its high adsorption capacity, AC has a substantial specific surface area, i.e., the total surface area of a material per unit of mass. Considering its large surface area, AC can be applied to processes, such as adsorption, which involves the removal of contaminants from gases or liquids. [17]. These mailto:sami@kecbu.uobaghdad.edu.iqm https://doi.org/10.22153/kej.2025.11.005 Ali A. Hanoon Al-Khwarizmi Engineering Journal, Vol. 21, No.4, pp. 32- 44 (2025) 33 properties are significantly affected by raw material selection, activation process and activating substance [18]. Therefore, many researchers have investigated AC production from a variety of organic materials that are affordable and sustainable precursors, such as Alhagi [14], buckthorn twigs [19], plum seed [6], water hyacinth [20], saw dust [3, 21], Cycas leaves [12], apricot seeds [10], date palm seeds and fronds [8, 22], date stones [23, 24], orange peel [25], cassava peel [26], banana peel [27], garlic peel [28], potato peel [29], waste tea [30, 31], rice husk [32], walnut shell [33], oil palm fibre [34] and coconut shell [35]. Pomegranate is one of the most well-known fruits due to its rich nutritional contents and delicious flavour. It has peel and internal edible seeds. Pomegranate peel is a nonedible part that comprises about 5%–15% of its weight; it is considered a waste product without commercial benefits [36]. Pomegranate peel is a low-cost and eco-friendly precursor that can be used for AC preparation; the produced AC can be utilised to remove pollutants from gases and aqueous solutions [37-40]. The preparation of AC from various precursors can be conducted using physical and chemical activation techniques. Physical activation is performed in two stages. The first stage comprises the pyrolysis process of the carbonaceous material; the second stage involves gasification with oxidant agents, such as CO2, steam or a combination of CO2 and steam, at high temperatures [41, 42]. Chemical activation is achieved by impregnating a carbonaceous material with different chemical agents, followed by either conventional or microwave carbonisation [43, 44]. Chemical activation necessitates the use of activating agents, such as sulphuric acid [6, 45], phosphoric acid [4, 10, 19, 29], zinc chloride [46-48] potassium carbonate [49] and potassium hydroxide [14]. Microwave carbonisation is preferred due to its heating method (low temperature), lower gas consumption, shorter carbonisation time, higher productivity and higher product specification (surface area, pore diameter and pore volume) [50]. However, conventional heating or carbonisation is performed using a conventional furnace, which requires high temperature with a long period of heating (high energy consumption) [18]. In this regard, microwave is a renewable alternative to conventional carbonisation [51]. Given its many benefits over conventional heating methods, the use of microwave in the synthesis of AC is garnering growing study interest. Its benefits include an internal heating rate, a high heating rate, selective heating, effective process regulation, short heating time that results in lower energy consumption and indirect contact with the heat source [10, 29, 52]. In addition, microwave heating creates a uniform temperature distribution, reducing the temperature gradient in the material and leading to the uniformity of pore size [50]. The objective of the current research is to prepare AC by using pomegranate peels as a natural and low-cost source and microwave activation as an efficient technique for preparation. The effects of the parameters and conditions for preparation, including impregnation ratio (IR), activation energy and activation time, on the specific surface are investigated to achieve optimum conditions. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and Brunauer–Emmett– Teller (BET) test are used for the characterisation of pomegranate peels and the AC produced under optimum conditions. 2. Materials and Methods 2.1. Preparation of AC Pomegranate peels were collected from a local plantation area in Baghdad. Firstly, the pomegranate peels were chopped to 1–2 cm pieces, washed with plenty of water to clean dirt and then dried for 4 h at 105 °C by using an air dryer. The dried material was crushed and sieved to the required size (2 mm). The sample (approximately 20 g) was impregnated into sulphuric acid (40–80 wt%) for 2–6 h at room temperature with different IRs: 1–3. Then, the samples were filtered to remove excess acid from each and the microwave method was used for AC preparation [4]. Each sample was poured into a flask and fixed in a microwave oven under a nitrogen flow of 200 cm3/min at different activation levels (450–900 W) and activation times (7–21 min). After activation, the samples were allowed to cool under nitrogen atmosphere. The final product was washed with hot water and filtered until its pH reached 6–7. Finally, the product was dried at 105 °C for 4 h, pulverised and sieved to the required size range. The schematic of the AC preparation steps is presented in Figure 1. Ali A. Hanoon Al-Khwarizmi Engineering Journal, Vol. 21, No.4, pp. 32- 44 (2025) 34 Fig. 1. Schematic of AC preparation from pomegranate peels 2.2. Methylene Blue Test Methylene blue dye powder was used to prepare methylene blue stock solution (50 mg/L) by dissolving 50 mg of the powder in 1 L of distilled water. Ten flasks (10 cm3) were used to prepare samples with the desired concentrations of 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.8, 1, 2 and 4 mg/L [7]. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy (wavelength = 660 nm) was used for the calibration curve, as shown in Figure 2. To determine the concentration after adsorption, 0.1 g of each of the prepared AC sample was shaken for 60 min with 50 mL of stock solution. Absorbance was measured via UV–Vis spectroscopy at wavelength λ = 660 nm. Adsorption capacity, given as methylene blue number (MBN), was calculated using Equation 1. 𝑀𝐵𝑁 = (𝐶𝑜−𝐶𝑒)𝑉 W , …(1) where 𝐶𝑜 is the initial concentration (mg/L), 𝐶𝑒 is the equilibrium concentration (mg/L), MBN is the adsorption capacity of the dye to AC weight (g/g), V is the volume of the dye sample (mL), W is the AC weight (g). Fig. 2. Methylene blue calibration curve 3. Experimental Design Design-Expert software (version 13.0) is a helpful statistical programme for creating models and designing experiments by considering the interactions amongst different parameters. The effects of acid concentration, IR with impregnation time and microwave power with activation time as independent variables on methylene blue dye adsorption capacity were investigated using the I- optimal method, as indicated in Tables 1 and 2. Table 1, Independent variables of AC preparation Symbol Variables Level A Acid concentration (%) 40 60 80 B IR (ratio) 1:1 1:2 1:3 C Impregnation time (h) 2 4 6 D Activation power (W) 450 720 900 E Activation time (min) 7 14 21 Ali A. Hanoon Al-Khwarizmi Engineering Journal, Vol. 21, No.4, pp. 32- 44 (2025) 35 Table 2, Design-Expert variables and results by using the I-optimal method Run A: Concentratio n B:IR C: Impregnation time D: Power E: Activation time MBN # % ratio h W min g/g 1 80 3 4 720 7 24.713247 2 40 3 6 450 7 24.356002 3 40 1 2 900 7 25.13029 4 80 1 6 450 21 25.18612 5 80 1 6 900 7 25.126254 6 40 1 6 900 7 25.05159 7 60 1 4 720 14 25.120873 8 60 1 4 720 14 24.964818 9 40 1 2 450 21 24.804054 10 80 1 2 900 14 24.928629 11 60 3 6 900 14 23.626244 12 80 2 6 450 7 24.938584 13 40 2 4 720 14 24.904952 14 60 3 6 450 21 25.198227 15 40 3 2 900 21 23.677366 16 60 3 2 450 14 24.103826 17 80 1 2 450 7 24.520869 18 60 2 4 900 7 24.376922 19 40 2 4 720 14 25.188138 20 40 1 6 450 14 25.188138 21 40 1 6 900 21 24.522887 22 80 2 4 900 21 23.090949 23 80 2 2 720 21 24.524905 24 40 1 2 450 7 23.678711 25 60 2 4 900 7 24.574008 26 60 2 2 720 7 25.18612 27 60 1 4 720 14 25.079841 28 40 3 4 720 7 24.524232 29 80 3 2 900 14 23.694182 30 40 3 4 450 14 24.470353 4. Results and Discussion 4.1. BET Test Table 2 clearly shows that the AC sample (run number 14) produce the maximum MBN value, indicating that this sample achieves the maximum specific surface area and pore volume. The BET technique (HORIBA, SA-900 series, USA) was selected to estimate the specific surface area, average pore diameter and pore volume based on the liquid nitrogen adsorption–desorption method at an adsorption temperature of 77 K, saturated vapor pressure of 86.75 kPa and adsorption cross-section area of 0.162 nm2. The results are provided in Table 3. The specific surface area, average pore diameter and pore volume of pomegranate peels were 8.9671 m2/g, 5.6405 nm and 0.012645 cm3/g, respectively. Meanwhile, the specific surface area, average pore diameter and pore volume of AC increased to 1431.8 m2/g, 2.5934 nm and 1.623601 cm3/g, respectively. Table 3, BET test for the raw material and AC Samples Surface area [m2/g] Average pore diameter [nm] Total pore volume (p/p0 = 0.990) [cm3/g] Pomegranate peel 8.9671 5.6405 0.012645 AC 1431.8 2.5934 1.623601 Ali A. Hanoon Al-Khwarizmi Engineering Journal, Vol. 21, No.4, pp. 32- 44 (2025) 36 4.2. Field Emission SEM (FESEM) and EDX Analysis To investigate the morphological surface and elemental species composition of pomegranate peels and AC, FESEM with EDX analysis was conducted, and the results are presented in Figures 3–6 and Tables 4 and 5. As shown in Figure 3, the pomegranate peels exhibit a homogenous surface, large pore diameter and low pore volume. Meanwhile, Figure 4 shows a spongy surface with many porous structures and pores with different volumes and shapes. This finding is attributed to the decomposition and volatilisation of non- carbonaceous substances in pomegranate peels due to chemical and microwave activation. In addition, the EDX spectra of pomegranate peels and AC exhibit an evident variation in their elemental composition due to chemical and microwave activation, as shown in Figures 5 and 6 and Tables 4 and 5. These tables indicate that the carbon content of pomegranate peels is increased from 38.6% to 74.5% for AC due to the carbonisation and activation processes. Consequently, their elemental compositions were changed. Fig. 3. Images of pomegranate peels Fig. 4. Images of AC Fig. 5. EDX spectroscopy of pomegranate peels Ali A. Hanoon Al-Khwarizmi Engineering Journal, Vol. 21, No.4, pp. 32- 44 (2025) 37 Fig. 6. EDX spectroscopy of AC Table 4, Composition of pomegranate peels Element Atomic % Atomic % Error Weight % Weight % Error C 46.2 0.3 38.6 0.3 O 52.8 0.4 58.8 0.4 Cl 0.2 0.0 0.5 0.0 K 0.6 0.0 1.5 0.0 Ca 0.2 0.0 0.5 0.0 Table 5, Composition of AC Element Atomic % Atomic % Error Weight % Weight % Error C 72.8 0.4 74.5 0.4 O 25.4 0.5 20.3 0.6 Al 0.4 0.0 0.7 0.1 K 0.8 0.0 2.1 0.1 Ca 0.4 0.0 1.2 0.0 Fe 0.1 0.0 0.5 0.1 Nb 0.1 0.1 0.7 0.6 5. FTIR Analysis The FTIR analysis spectra of the pomegranate peels (PP) and AC (PPAC) between the wavelengths of 4000 cm−1 and 500 cm−1 are shown in Figure 7. The raw materials have different peaks, reflecting their complex properties. The peaks between 3000 cm−1 and 3500 cm−1 indicate the OH stretching of alcohols, phenols and carboxylic acids [53, 54]. Similarly, the peaks between 2500 cm−1 and 3000 cm−1 are denoted by the C-H group [55]. Meanwhile, the spikes between 1000 cm−1 and 1500 cm−1 refer to phenolic C=C and aldehydic C=O, whilst the peaks between 500 cm−1 and 1000 cm−1 indicate aromatic chemicals [56, 57]. Furthermore, the peaks appeared due to the formation of a new bond during chemical and microwave activation. Consequently, the peaks around 3000 cm−1 and 3500 cm−1 indicate the OH stretching of alcohols, phenols and carboxylic acids [53, 54]. Similarly, the peaks between 2500 cm−1 and 3000 cm−1 are indicated by C-H bending stretching [55, 58]. The peaks between 1500 cm−1 and 1750 cm−1 are mostly signified by alkene C-C and ketone C=O. Conversely, the peaks around 1000 cm−1 and 1300 cm− 1 are assigned to C- O bonds due to the existence of of hydroxy and esters. Similarly, the peaks between 600 cm−1 and 900 cm− 1 are assigned to = C-H due to the existence of alkenes [8]. Ali A. Hanoon Al-Khwarizmi Engineering Journal, Vol. 21, No.4, pp. 32- 44 (2025) 38 Fig. 7. Spectra of pomegranate peels and AC 6. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) XRD analysis with a range of 2θ of 10°–80° for pomegranate peels and AC are depicted in Figures 8 and 9, respectively. Pomegranate peels and AC have amorphous structures. Sharp peaks at 2θ of 21.3°, 26.8° and 29.5°, as shown in Figure 9, indicate that AC exhibits mostly amorphous characteristics with a minor crystalline structure [59]. Fig. 8. XRD profile of pomegranate peels Fig. 9. XRD profile of AC Ali A. Hanoon Al-Khwarizmi Engineering Journal, Vol. 21, No.4, pp. 32- 44 (2025) 39 7. Conclusion The major results of the current research demonstrated the suitability of AC prepared from pomegranate peels with significant specific surface area, average pore diameter and pore volume via chemical and microwave activation. Sulphuric acid with different concentrations (40%–80%) and IRs (1–3) was used as an activation agent with different impregnation times (2–6 h), microwave power (450–900 W) and radiation times (7–21 min) to prepare AC. Design-Expert software (version 13) with the I-optimal method was selected to analyse the AC preparation data. The data were analysed using MBN, and the results showed that sulphuric acid with a concentration of 60%, IR of 1:3, impregnation time of 6 h, microwave power of 450 W and radiation time of 21 min emerged with the highest MBN value. On the basis of the maximum MBN value, which elaborated the maximum specific surface area and pore volume, pomegranate peel and AC samples were selected for characterisation. The results demonstrated that the specific surface area, average pore diameter and pore volume of pomegranate peels were 8.9671 m2/g, 5.6405 nm and 0.012645 cm3/g, respectively. For AC, these parameters were enhanced to 1431.8 m2/g, 2.5934 nm and 1.623601 cm3/g, respectively. In addition, FESEM with EDX and XRD characterisation showed that AC exhibits a spongy property with different micro pores, indicating an increase in carbon content from 38.6% to 74.5% due to activation and carbonisation. Acknowledgement The Department of Biochemical Engineering at the University of Baghdad's Al-Khwarizmi College of Engineering is acknowledged by the authors for granting permission to use the supplies and laboratory space required to finish this work. Conflict of Interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest. References [1] J. N. Sahu, J. Acharya, and B. C. Meikap, "Optimization of production conditions for activated carbons from Tamarind wood by zinc chloride using response surface methodology," Bioresour. Technol., vol. 101, no. 6, pp. 1974- 1982, 2010/03/01/ 2010, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2009.10.031 . [2] S. Sircar, "Gas Separation and Storage by Activated Carbons," Adsorption by Carbons, pp. 565-592, 01/01 2008, doi: 10.1016/B978- 008044464-2.50026-2. [3] M. W. Khalid and S. D. Salman, "Adsorption of Heavy Metals from Aqueous Solution onto Sawdust Activated Carbon," Al-Khawarizmi eng. j., vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 60- 69, 09/01 2019. [Online]. Available: https://alkej.uobaghdad.edu.iq/index.php/alkej /article/view/650. [4] Khatab E. Talib and S. D. Salman, "Removal of Malachite Green from Aqueous Solution using Ficus Benjamina Activated Carbon- Metal Oxide synthesized by pyro carbonic acid microwave," Desalination and Water Treatment, vol. 302, no. August 2023, pp. 105- 209, 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.5004/dwt.2023.29949. [5] M. Tarikuzzaman, "A review on activated carbon: synthesis, properties, and applications," European Journal of Advances in Engineering and Technology, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 114-123, 2023. [6] S. D. Salman, I. M. Rashid, and Y. D. Abdulwahab, "Adsorption of bimetal from aqueous solution on plum seed activated carbon synthesized by pyrocarbonic acid microwave method," J. Chem. Technol. Biotechnol., vol. n/a, no. n/a, doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/jctb.7708. [7] E. A. Taki and S. D. Salman, "Removal of Diesel Oil from Aqueous Solution Using Agro- Waste Activated Carbon Synthesized by Chemical and Microwave Activation," Journal of Ecological Engineering, journal article vol. 25, no. 5, pp. 10-28, 2024, doi: 10.12911/22998993/185321. [8] N. M. Jabbar, S. D. Salman, I. M. Rashid, and Y. S. Mahdi, "Removal of an anionic Eosin dye from aqueous solution using modified activated carbon prepared from date palm https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2009.10.031 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2009.10.031 https://alkej.uobaghdad.edu.iq/index.php/alkej/article/view/650 https://alkej.uobaghdad.edu.iq/index.php/alkej/article/view/650 https://doi.org/10.5004/dwt.2023.29949 https://doi.org/10.1002/jctb.7708 Ali A. Hanoon Al-Khwarizmi Engineering Journal, Vol. 21, No.4, pp. 32- 44 (2025) 40 fronds," Chem. Data Collect., vol. 42, p. 100965, 2022/12/01/ 2022, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdc.2022.100965. [9] Z. T. Alismaeel, O. F. Saeed, and A. H. Abbar, "Wastewater treatment through a hybrid electrocoagulation and electro-Fenton process with a porous graphite air-diffusion cathode," Chemical Engineering and Processing - Process Intensification, vol. 212, p. 110258, 2025/06/01/ 2025, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cep.2025.110258. [10] S. D. Salman, I. M. Rasheed, and M. M. Ismaeel, "Removal of diclofenac from aqueous solution on apricot seeds activated carbon synthesized by pyro carbonic acid microwave," Chem. Data Collect., vol. 43, p. 100982, 2023/02/01/ 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdc.2022.100982. [11] I. Neme, G. Gonfa, and C. Masi, "Preparation and characterization of activated carbon from castor seed hull by chemical activation with H3PO4," Results in Materials, vol. 15, p. 100304, 2022/09/01/ 2022, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rinma.2022.100304. [12] S. D. Salman, Z. R. Zair, and Z. T. Alismaeel, "Bio-adsorption of Cationic-Cnionic Dyes from Synthetic Effluents using an Experimental Design Approach," Desalination and Water Treatment, vol. 317, p. 100246, 2024/01/01/ 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dwt.2024.100246. [13] M. W. Khalid and S. D. Salman, "Adsorption of Chromium Ions on Activated Carbon Produced from Cow Bones," Iraqi j. chem. pet. eng., vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 23-32, 2019, doi: https://doi.org/10.31699/IJCPE.2019.2.4 [14] G. M. A.-H. S. D. Salman, "Adsorption of Para Nitro-phenol by Activated Carbon produced from Alhagi " Sains Malaysiana vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 57-67, 2020, doi: DOI: 10.17576/jsm- 2020-4901-07. [15] J. Guo et al., "Adsorption of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) by activated carbons derived from oil- palm shell," Carbon, vol. 45, no. 2, pp. 330- 336, 2007/02/01/ 2007, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2006.09.016. [16] B. Guo, L. Chang, and K. Xie, "Adsorption of Carbon Dioxide on Activated Carbon," Journal of Natural Gas Chemistry, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 223-229, 2006/09/01/ 2006, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003- 9953(06)60030-3. [17] M. O. Azeez and S. A. Ganiyu, "Review of biomass derived-activated carbon for production of clean fuels by adsorptive desulfurization: Insights into processes, modifications, properties, and performances," Arabian Journal of Chemistry, vol. 16, no. 10, p. 105182, 2023/10/01/ 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arabjc.2023.105182. [18] M. Zarroug, S. Najar-Souissi, J. A. Menéndez, E. G. Calvo, and A. Ouederni, "Fast Production of Activated Carbon from Pomegranate Peels by Combining Microwave Heating and Phosphoric Acid Activation for Paracetamol Adsorption," Environ. Eng. Sci., vol. 39, no. 5, pp. 441-452, 2022, doi: 10.1089/ees.2021.0125. [19] S. D. Salman and E. A. Taki, "Removal of Diesel Oil from Aqueous Solution using Agro- waste Activated Carbon Synthesized by chemical and microwave activation," Journal of Ecological Engineering, 2024-02-24 2024. [Online]. Available: http://www.jeeng.net/Removal-of-Diesel-Oil- from-Aqueous-Solution-using-Agro-waste- Activated-Carbon- Synthesized,185321,0,2.html. [20] S. D. Salman, I. M. Rasheed, and A. K. Mohammed, "Adsorption of heavy metal ions using activated carbon derived from Eichhornia (water hyacinth)," IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, vol. 779, no. 1, p. 012074, 2021/06/01 2021, doi: 10.1088/1755-1315/779/1/012074. [21] "Adsorptive Removal of Furfural from Wastewater on Prepared Activated Carbon from Sawdust," Journal of Engineering, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 51-63, 12/30 2018, doi: 10.31026/j.eng.2019.01.05. [22] "Using Activated Carbon developed from Iraqi Date Palm Seeds as Permeable Reactive Barrier for Remediation of Groundwater Contaminated with Copper," Al-Khwarizmi Engineering Journal, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 34- 44, 12/13 2017. [Online]. Available: https://alkej.uobaghdad.edu.iq/index.php/alkej /article/view/295. [23] "PREPARATION OF ACTIVATED CARBONS FROM DATE STONES BY CHEMICAL ACTIVATION METHOD USING FeCl3 and ZnCl2 as ACTIVATING AGENTS," Journal of Engineering, vol. 17, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdc.2022.100965 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cep.2025.110258 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdc.2022.100982 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rinma.2022.100304 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dwt.2024.100246 https://doi.org/10.31699/IJCPE.2019.2.4 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2006.09.016 https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-9953(06)60030-3 https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-9953(06)60030-3 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arabjc.2023.105182 http://www.jeeng.net/Removal-of-Diesel-Oil-from-Aqueous-Solution-using-Agro-waste-Activated-Carbon-Synthesized,185321,0,2.html http://www.jeeng.net/Removal-of-Diesel-Oil-from-Aqueous-Solution-using-Agro-waste-Activated-Carbon-Synthesized,185321,0,2.html http://www.jeeng.net/Removal-of-Diesel-Oil-from-Aqueous-Solution-using-Agro-waste-Activated-Carbon-Synthesized,185321,0,2.html http://www.jeeng.net/Removal-of-Diesel-Oil-from-Aqueous-Solution-using-Agro-waste-Activated-Carbon-Synthesized,185321,0,2.html https://alkej.uobaghdad.edu.iq/index.php/alkej/article/view/295 https://alkej.uobaghdad.edu.iq/index.php/alkej/article/view/295 Ali A. Hanoon Al-Khwarizmi Engineering Journal, Vol. 21, No.4, pp. 32- 44 (2025) 41 no. 04, pp. 1007-1022, 08/01 2011, doi: 10.31026/j.eng.2011.04.26. [24] "Active Carbon from Date Stones for Phenol Oxidation in Trickle Bed Reactor, Experimental and Kinetic Study," Journal of Engineering, vol. 20, no. 04, pp. 169-189, 04/01 2014, doi: 10.31026/j.eng.2014.04.11. [25] M. E. Fernandez, G. V. Nunell, P. R. Bonelli, and A. L. Cukierman, "Activated carbon developed from orange peels: Batch and dynamic competitive adsorption of basic dyes," Industrial Crops and Products, vol. 62, pp. 437-445, 2014/12/01/ 2014, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2014.09.015. [26] Y. Sudaryanto, S. B. Hartono, W. Irawaty, H. Hindarso, and S. Ismadji, "High surface area activated carbon prepared from cassava peel by chemical activation," Bioresour. Technol., vol. 97, no. 5, pp. 734-739, 2006/03/01/ 2006, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2005.04.029 . [27] V. Jha and J. Maharaja, "Activated carbon obtained from banana peels for the removal of AS (III) from water," Scientific World, vol. 15, pp. 145-157, 06/14 2022, doi: 10.3126/sw.v15i15.45665. [28] T. Ji et al., "Synthesis of Activated Carbon Derived from Garlic Peel and Its Electrochemical Properties," International Journal of Electrochemical Science, vol. 16, no. 1, p. 150653, 2021/01/01/ 2021, doi: https://doi.org/10.20964/2021.01.61. [29] S. D. Salman and I. M. Rashid, "Production and characterization of composite activated carbon from potato peel waste for cyanide removal from aqueous solution," Environ. Prog. Sustain. Energy, vol. 43, no. 1, p. e14260, 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/ep.14260. [30] M. A. A. Mariah, K. Rovina, J. M. Vonnie, and K. H. Erna, "Characterization of activated carbon from waste tea (Camellia sinensis) using chemical activation for removal of methylene blue and cadmium ions," South African Journal of Chemical Engineering, vol. 44, pp. 113-122, 2023/04/01/ 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajce.2023.01.007. [31] B. Li et al., "Simultaneous carbonization, activation, and magnetization for producing tea waste biochar and its application in tetracycline removal from the aquatic environment," Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, vol. 9, no. 4, p. 105324, 2021. [32] N. Bari, F. Muna, Muna, M. Rahnuma, and M. Hossain, PRODUCTION OF ACTIVATED CARBON FROM RICE HUSK AND ITS PROXIMATE ANALYSIS. 2022. [33] E. Elanthamilan et al., "Walnut shell derived mesoporous activated carbon for high performance electrical double layer capacitors," J. Electroanal. Chem., vol. 901, p. 115762, 2021/11/15/ 2021, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelechem.2021.11576 2. [34] A. L. Ahmad, M. M. Loh, and J. A. Aziz, "Preparation and characterization of activated carbon from oil palm wood and its evaluation on Methylene blue adsorption," Dyes and Pigments, vol. 75, no. 2, pp. 263-272, 2007/01/01/ 2007, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2006.05.034. [35] E. H. Sujiono et al., "Fabrication and characterization of coconut shell activated carbon using variation chemical activation for wastewater treatment application," Results in Chemistry, vol. 4, p. 100291, 2022/01/01/ 2022, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rechem.2022.100291. [36] M. Moghadam, N. Nasirizadeh, Z. Dashti, and E. Babanezhad, "Removal of Fe(II) from aqueous solution using pomegranate peel carbon: equilibrium and kinetic studies," International Journal of Industrial Chemistry, vol. 4, 01/01 2013, doi: 10.1186/2228-5547-4- 19. [37] W. Saadi, B. Ruiz, S. Najar-Souissi, A. Ouederni, and E. Fuente, "High-pressure gas adsorption on activated carbons from pomegranate peels biochar: A promising approach for biogas purification," Biomass and Bioenergy, vol. 186, p. 107258, 2024/07/01/ 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2024.1072 58. [38] A. Solmaz, Z. A. Sari, M. Karta, T. Turna, A. Yücel, and T. Depci, "Production and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Pomegranate Peel for Pharmaceutical Waste (Paracetamol) Removal: Response Surface Methodology Application," Water, Air, Soil Pollut., vol. 234, no. 10, p. 645, 2023/10/05 2023, doi: 10.1007/s11270-023-06641-w. [39] W. A. Al-Onazi, M. H. H. Ali, and T. Al-Garni, "Using Pomegranate Peel and Date Pit Activated Carbon for the Removal of Cadmium and Lead Ions from Aqueous Solution," Journal of Chemistry, vol. 2021, no. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2014.09.015 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2005.04.029 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2005.04.029 https://doi.org/10.20964/2021.01.61 https://doi.org/10.1002/ep.14260 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajce.2023.01.007 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelechem.2021.115762 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelechem.2021.115762 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2006.05.034 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rechem.2022.100291 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2024.107258 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2024.107258 Ali A. Hanoon Al-Khwarizmi Engineering Journal, Vol. 21, No.4, pp. 32- 44 (2025) 42 1, p. 5514118, 2021, doi: https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5514118. [40] M. Zarroug, S. N. Souissi, and A. Ouederni, "Pomegranate peels as a precursor for activated carbon by phosphoric acid and steam activation: Carbonization temperature and time effects," in 2014 5th International Renewable Energy Congress (IREC), 25-27 March 2014 2014, pp. 1-5, doi: 10.1109/IREC.2014.6826990. [41] C. Bouchelta, M. Medjram, O. Bertrand, and J.-P. Bellat, "Preparation and characterization of activated carbon from date stones by physical activation with steam," Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis - J ANAL APPL PYROL, vol. 82, pp. 70-77, 05/01 2008, doi: 10.1016/j.jaap.2007.12.009. [42] K. Malini, D. Selvakumar, and N. S. Kumar, "Activated carbon from biomass: Preparation, factors improving basicity and surface properties for enhanced CO2 capture capacity – A review," Journal of CO2 Utilization, vol. 67, p. 102318, 2023/01/01/ 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcou.2022.102318. [43] J. M. Illingworth, B. Rand, and P. T. Williams, "Understanding the mechanism of two-step, pyrolysis-alkali chemical activation of fibrous biomass for the production of activated carbon fibre matting," Fuel Process. Technol., vol. 235, p. 107348, 2022/10/01/ 2022, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuproc.2022.107348. [44] K. S. Ukanwa, K. Patchigolla, R. Sakrabani, E. Anthony, and S. Mandavgane, "A Review of Chemicals to Produce Activated Carbon from Agricultural Waste Biomass," Sustainability, vol. 11, no. 22, p. 6204, 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.mdpi.com/2071- 1050/11/22/6204. [45] J. K. Bediako et al., "Exploring the insights and benefits of biomass-derived sulfuric acid activated carbon for selective recovery of gold from simulated waste streams," Waste Management, vol. 177, pp. 135-145, 2024/04/01/ 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2024.02.002 . [46] F. Caturla, M. Molina-Sabio, and F. Rodríguez- Reinoso, "Preparation of activated carbon by chemical activation with ZnCl2," Carbon, vol. 29, no. 7, pp. 999-1007, 1991/01/01/ 1991, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/0008-6223(91)90179- M. [47] G. Zhang, H. Yang, M. Jiang, and Q. Zhang, "Preparation and characterization of activated carbon derived from deashing coal slime with ZnCl2 activation," Colloids Surf. Physicochem. Eng. Aspects, vol. 641, p. 128124, 2022/05/20/ 2022, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2021.128124 . [48] A. Santhosh and S. S. Dawn, "Synthesis of zinc chloride activated eco-friendly nano-adsorbent (activated carbon) from food waste for removal of pollutant from biodiesel wash water," Water Sci. Technol., vol. 84, no. 5, pp. 1170-1181, 2021, doi: 10.2166/wst.2021.303. [49] D. Adinata, W. M. Wan Daud, and M. K. Aroua, "Preparation and characterization of activated carbon from palm shell by chemical activation with K2CO3," (in eng), Bioresour. Technol., vol. 98, no. 1, pp. 145-9, Jan 2007, doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2005.11.006. [50] W. Astuti et al., "Preparation of Magnetic Activated Carbons from Cassava Peel using H3PO4 and KOH Activation by Microwave Heating for Naphthol Blue-Black Adsorption," Trends in Sciences, vol. 21, p. 7078, 11/20 2023, doi: 10.48048/tis.2024.7078. [51] S. Anita, T. Abu Hanifah, Itnawita, and G. Fia Kartika, "Preparation and characterization of activated carbon from the nipa fruit shell irradiated by microwave: Effect temperatures and time of carbonization," Materials Today: Proceedings, vol. 87, pp. 390-395, 2023/01/01/ 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2023.04.172. [52] C. Shi et al., "Efficient heating of activated carbon in microwave field," C, vol. 9, no. 2, p. 48, 2023. [53] V. Amaral et al., "Phenolic Compounds from Psidium guajava (Linn.) Leaves: Effect of the Extraction-Assisted Method Upon Total Phenolics Content and Antioxidant Activity," Biointerface Research in Applied Chemistry, vol. 11, pp. 9346-9357, 09/11 2020, doi: 10.33263/BRIAC112.93469357. [54] R. Nunes Oliveira et al., "FTIR analysis and quantification of phenols and flavonoids of five commercially available plants extracts used in wound healing," Revista Materia, vol. 21, pp. 767-779, 09/01 2016, doi: 10.1590/S1517- 707620160003.0072. [55] S. Sharma, V. Sharma, and A. Kuila, "Cellulase production using natural medium and its application on enzymatic hydrolysis of thermo chemically pretreated biomass," 3Biotech, vol. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5514118 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcou.2022.102318 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuproc.2022.107348 https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/11/22/6204 https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/11/22/6204 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2024.02.002 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2024.02.002 https://doi.org/10.1016/0008-6223(91)90179-M https://doi.org/10.1016/0008-6223(91)90179-M https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2021.128124 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2021.128124 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2023.04.172 Ali A. Hanoon Al-Khwarizmi Engineering Journal, Vol. 21, No.4, pp. 32- 44 (2025) 43 6, 06/01 2016, doi: 10.1007/s13205-016-0465- z. [56] P. Khare and B. P. Baruah, "Structural Parameters of Perhydrous Indian Coals," International Journal of Coal Preparation and Utilization, vol. 30, no. 1, pp. 44-67, 2010/05/26 2010, doi: 10.1080/19392691003781616. [57] Ş. Taşar, F. Kaya, and A. Özer, "Biosorption of lead(II) ions from aqueous solution by peanut shells: Equilibrium, thermodynamic and kinetic studies," Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 1018-1026, 2014/06/01/ 2014, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2014.03.015. [58] T. Benzaoui, A. Selatnia, and D. Djabali, "Adsorption of copper (II) ions from aqueous solution using bottom ash of expired drugs incineration," Adsorption Science & Technology, vol. 36, no. 1-2, pp. 114-129, 2018. [59] S. Kasaoka, Y. Sakata, E. Tanaka, and R. Naitoh, "Preparation of activated fibrous carbon from phenolic fabric and its molecular-sieve properties," Int. Chem. Eng., vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 101-114, 1989. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2014.03.015 ( 2025) 32-44، صفحة 4، العدد21مجلة الخوارزمي الهندسية المجلد علي عادل حنون 44 تحضير وتوصيف الكربون المنشط من مخلفات الرمان باستخدام طريقة التنشيط الكيميائي والمايكروويف علي عادل حنون1، سامي داوود سلمان2* 2,1 قسم الهندسة الكيميائية األحيائية، كلية الهندسة الخوارزمي، جامعة بغداد، بغداد، العراق sami@kecbu.uobaghdad.edu.iqm*البريد االلكتروني: المستخلص الميكروويف. حيث يتم غمر مسحوق تقنيةيقدم هذا البحث طريقة تحضير وتوصيف الكربون المنشط من قشور الرمان باستخدام التنشيط الكيمياوي مع مختلفة )قشور رمان إلى حامض الكبريتيك( وبأوقات غمر مختلفة. كما تم تنشيط العينات وبنسب وزنيةقشور الرمان بحامض الكبريتيك كعامل تفعيل كيميائي )اإلصدار تصميم التجارب تم اختيار برنامج وأوقات تنشيط مختلفة إلنتاج الكربون المنشط. درةالميكروويف تحت جو خامل بقباستخدام تقنية علة بالحامضفالم باستخدام طريقة13 ) I-Optimal الح تركيز ذلك في بما المنشط الكربون متغيرات تحضير تأثير زمنمض التحليل فرن درةوق التفعيلونسبة التفعيل ، ا زمنالميكروويف و تم الحصول تياامتزاز صبغة الميثيلين الزرقاء ناًء على الحد األقصى . ب(MBN)زرقاء صبغة الميثيلين ال متزازالتنشيط على قدرة مع (FESEM) يثاالنبعا يمسح اإللكترونال، ومجهر Brunaure-Emmett-Teller (BET)م الكربون المنشط باستخداقشور الرمان و، تم توصيف اعليه الكربون النتائج أن ثبتتأوقد .(XRD) والحيود باألشعة السينية (FTIR)الحمراء ، ومطيافية األشعة تحت (EDX)للطاقة تحليل األشعة السينية المشتتة المنتج من الرمان المنشط بلورية له قشور أساسي مع خصائص متبلور بشكل الدقيقة فليلة ويمتلك أحجام طبيعة إسفنجية وغير المسام يمكن ومختلفة من .استخدامه كمنتج منخفض التكلفة بخصائص مرغوبة mailto:sami@kecbu.uobaghdad.edu.iqm