Synthesis and Characterization of Natural, Pectin and Activated Carbon as Low Cost Potential Adsorbents from Kepok Banana Peels (Musa paradisiaca L.)

The objective of this research was to synthesize of natural, pectin, and activated carbon from Kepok banana peels (Musa paradisiaca L). The use of raw banana peels as precursor for synthesis of adsorbent have significant advantages. Kepok banana peels were modified into three types of compounds with different physical and physicochemical treatments. Type 1 is natural, which is made by only thermal and physical treatment. Type 2 is pectin which was made by esterification reaction. Type 3 is activated carbon which was made by chemical activation using NaOH reagent for activation and carbonized at 400C. The yields of type 1, type 2 and type 3 are 11, 52 and 26%, respectively. FTIR characterization showed that type 1 and type 2 have the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, while in type 3 has only carboxyl groups. Chemical treatment of dehydrated banana peels with acid (HCl) and alkali (NaOH) agents modified the surface morphological and fundamental physical properties of pectin and activated carbon. Types 1 - 3 are low cost potential adsorbent and these functional groups play major roles in adsorption.