1Amity University, Lucknow Campus,
2Chaudhary Bansi Lal University, Bhiwani,
3Kurukshetra University,
4,5Bennett University Noida,
6Maharishi University Lucknow,
7Rapti Academy of Health Sciences Nepal.
8Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
9Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut
Activated carbon, renowned for its exceptional adsorption properties, plays a crucial role in various industries, including water purification, air filtration, and chemical processing. This review focuses on the manufacturing, application, and utilization of activated carbon derived from jute sticks, an abundant agricultural byproduct. The manufacturing process involves several steps: carbonization, activation, and sometimes modification to enhance specific properties. Carbonization at controlled temperatures converts jute sticks into char, which is then activated using physical or chemical methods to develop a porous structure. Activated carbon from jute sticks offers a sustainable alternative to conventional sources like coal and coconut shells. Its production not only utilizes agricultural waste but also contributes to waste management and environmental sustainability. The review explores the various activation methods, including physical activation using steam or CO2 and chemical activation with agents such as phosphoric acid or potassium hydroxide, detailing their impact on the pore structure and adsorption capacity of the final product. Applications of jute stick-based activated carbon are diverse. In water treatment, it effectively removes contaminants like heavy metals, dyes, and organic pollutants. Its role in air purification includes capturing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and controlling odors. Additionally, it finds use in energy storage devices like supercapacitors due to its high surface area and electrical conductivity. The utilization of jute sticks for activated carbon production presents a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution. This review highlights the advancements in production techniques, the potential for large-scale application, and the environmental benefits of adopting jute stick-based activated carbon, paving the way for more sustainable industrial practices.
Global energy consumption has skyrocketed due to the trend of growing human population and the world economy growing quickly (1). As a result, there is worry around the world about the long-term sustainability of energy resources. Beyond cost and efficiency, energy storage is one of the main obstacles. The inability to store energy once it is produced is a crucial step on the path to efficiently utilizing renewable energy, which has impeded the widespread adoption of solar and wind power (2, 3). The rapidly expanding market for electric hybrid vehicles and portable gadgets is based on reliable electrical energy storage technologies. As a result, the scientific community has been very interested in electrochemical supercapacitors (SCs) (4–7). It is commonly recognized that SCs often have low energy density properties. They can store enough energy in a short amount of time because to their remarkable quick-charging mechanism, which also permits more charge/discharge cycles than rechargeable batteries (8,9). The electrode material is one of the most important parts of SCs as it controls the basic efficiency of the built SCs (10). SCs may be designed for a wide range of industrial uses by carefully choosing the electrode material and utilizing economical preparation methods (6,7,11). As a result, a large body of research examines novel electrode materials to achieve superior energy storage performance (4, 8, 12). Generally speaking, SCs may be divided into three main groups based on their energy storage mechanisms: (i) Pseudocapacitors, (ii) hybrid SCs, and (iii) electrochemical double-layer SCs (EDLCs) (13). By creating a double layer at the electrode-electrolyte interface and adsorbing and desorbing electrolyte ions, EDLC stores electrochemical energy (14–17). On the other hand, pseudocapacitors employ redox-active materials (such as conducting polymers and transition metal oxides/hydroxides) and store charges through redox processes (9,12,18,19). The kind of material used for the electrodes and their specific surface area (SSA) are crucial. Over 80% of the commercially available SCs are constructed using carbon-based materials, which are the most widely used electrodes (20). Comparing porous carbonaceous materials to metal phosphides, oxides, and sulfides, it is found that the SSA is greater (21–23). Thus, the energy storage capability of a variety of carbonaceous materials was examined, including graphene (24), activated carbon (AC) (2), mesoporous carbon (14), nitrogen-doped nanocarbon (25), carbon aerogels (26), metal carbide-derived carbon (27), and carbon composites (28). ACs are regarded as having high performance among the carbonaceous materials that researchers have described for SCs (4,22,29). Usually made from bio-waste, ACs used as SC electrode materials have high electrical conductivity, outstanding power density, high porosity, high packing density, high thermal and chemical stability, and strong reversibility (9,17,30–36). Recently, there has been a lot of study focused on biomass-derived ACs as potential electrode materials for energy storage applications as well as electrochemical sensors (37), catalysis (37), separation (37), and adsorption (37). Various bio-wastes have been utilized as starting points for the pyrolysis and subsequent activation of porous carbon materials (38). The primary benefit of using pyrolysis to prepare carbonaceous compounds from biomass is that it's an economical and ecologically favorable process of preparation. The fact that these biomasses are plentiful, renewable resources is a major added benefit (39). Biowastes are used in the development of SCs for two primary reasons: (i) they help with waste disposal, i.e., using waste to create materials for energy storage, and (ii) they provide an economic foundation for the sustainability of energy storage technology (40). In the current study, we have chosen to construct activated jute-derived hierarchical carbon (JC) nanosheets with a porous structure using jute sticks as the feedstock. One of the most important old plants in the Malvaceae family is jute (Corchorus olitorius), which is widely grown in Brazil, Egypt, and the tropical Asian nations of China, India, and Bangladesh (41). Jute is a valuable commercial fiber that is widely used in the production of industrial goods such carpet backing, ornamental textiles, and gunny bags (42). On the other hand, jute sticks—which are produced once the fiber from the jute plant is extracted—usually have minimal economic value.
They are either let to break down into the soil or utilized for domestic purposes (like burning). Approximately 2.5 times as many jute sticks are produced as solid trash during the jute plant's fiber extraction process (43). However, the jute sticks' chemical makeup includes carbon resources such lignin, α-cellulose, and hemicellulose (44). Thus, converting them into carbon compounds appropriate for energy storage applications—such as SCs—might be advantageous. In fact, the manufacture of AC materials produced from jute sticks and their uses in energy storage have been the subject of very few investigations (45).
We have recently reported on the production of extremely porous ACs made from jute sticks for the removal of Pb2+ from aqueous solution following carboxylation (46) and nonenzymatic amperometric nitrite detection (47). The outcomes demonstrated that the ACs made from jute sticks had an appropriate adsorption capacity as well as strong electrochemical stability. Consequently, we demonstrate in this work that jute sticks may be used as a beginning material to make JC, which may significantly increase the performance of SCs, lower the cost of their electrode materials, and reduce jute waste.
Our study's creation of symmetric SCs in an environment devoid of conductive agents is another unique aspect. Conductive compounds are typically employed in the production of SCs to increase the electrodes' conductivity (48). Additionally, low electrode conductivity is caused by the rough morphology of the majority of commercially manufactured ACs, which are frequently employed as electrode materials for SCs (49). Various conductive additives, such as graphite nanoparticles, carbon black, carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanofibers, have been employed to increase SC performance in order to avoid the low electrical conductivity of such electrodes (50). One of the biggest drawbacks to the overall efficiency of SCs is the IR drop, which is an abrupt potential fall at the start of a constant current discharge, as mentioned in the literature. The entire resistance of the SC device, which includes the internal resistance of the electrodes, the resistance of the bulk solution, the resistance of the electrical connection, and the resistance of ion migration in the electrode material, is usually linked to this potential drop, which results in a loss of electrical energy (51). If certain AC-based electrodes with a thin structure, excellent electrical conductivity, and a small IR drop were used in SCs without the need for conductive additives, that would be fantastic. As a result, for SC applications, we compare the performances of the AC and JC in this study when they are manufactured without conductive additives.
Another essential part of energy storage systems is electrolytes. They are crucial to the creation of affordable, adaptable, and highly effective SCs. High electrical, thermal, and electrochemical stability, low cost, high ionic conductivity, a wide operating potential window (OPW), environmental friendliness, low volatility, and flammability are generally necessary for an ideal electrolyte (52). Every electrolyte has benefits and disadvantages of its own, and it is difficult for an electrolyte to satisfy all of these requirements. This has spurred research into the use of biodegradable electrolytes in SCs, such as cellulose (53), alginate (54), and agar/agarose (55), to improve electrolyte performance. The current study produced and used a new bio-electrolyte based on glycerol that has improved physicochemical characteristics for SCs. Glycerol, often referred to as 1,2,3 propanetriol, is an odorless and colorless substance that is produced as a major by-product during the biodiesel manufacturing process (55). Moreover, glycerol is created when fatty acids are hydrolyzed to make soap (56). There are various applications for glycerol, particularly in the culinary, pharmaceutical, and industrial industries. In the pharmaceutical business, mono- and diglycerides are commonly found in vaccinations, cough medications, skin creams, and other everyday care items (57). Using glycerol in protective resins and coatings for the paint and automotive industries is another useful usage for it. A novel substance for the synthesis of electrolytes is glycerol non-volatile gel, which has a minimal vapor pressure across a broad temperature range (58). In addition, it is appropriate for bio-based energy storage systems due to its great mechanical flexibility, non-toxic nature, and lack of environmental effect (59).
Fig 1: - Represent the preparation of JC from Jute Sticks.
Fig 2: - Shows different method for Jute charcoal production.
Jute sticks can be carbonized at temperatures ranging from 250°C to 750°C in an electric muffle furnace. Higher yields of 40-45% were obtained at 250°C, while yields declined to 8-10% at 750°C(60).
Activated carbons can be prepared from jute stick charcoal by chemical activation using agents like H2SO4, H3PO4, and ZnCl2 at temperatures ranging from 300°C to 350°C. This process results in the release of aliphatic and oxygen-containing functional groups and the formation of a honeycomb carbon structure(61).
Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the thermal decomposition of jute charcoal occurs in three main phases. The major weight loss of 75% occurs in the range of 340-550°C, while the remaining 1% of inorganic materials become ash(62).
Jujube charcoal activated with polypropylene (PP) at 800°C can be loaded with polyethylene glycol (PEG) by vacuum impregnation to prepare composite phase change materials (PCM). The mesoporous and macroporous structures of the PP-activated jujube charcoal provide a high specific surface area of 1082.2 m²/g and high melting and solidification enthalpies(63).
Proximate analysis of jute charcoal involves determining its moisture, volatile matter, ash, and fixed carbon content. This analysis provides essential information about the basic composition of the charcoal, aiding in understanding its properties and potential applications(64).
The carbon purity of jute charcoal is identified through FT-IR analysis. This analysis helps in assessing the quality and purity of the charcoal, which is crucial for various applications(65).
Thermogravimetric analysis reveals the thermal decomposition behavior of jute charcoal. Understanding the temperature ranges at which the charcoal decomposes and the associated weight loss provides insights into its thermal stability and decomposition characteristics(66).
The activated carbon prepared from jute stick charcoal is characterized by evaluating its surface chemistry and the presence of functional groups. Techniques like FT-IR spectroscopy are used to analyze the release of aliphatic and oxygen-containing functional groups during the activation process, which influences its adsorption properties(67).
Structural features of the activated carbon, such as the honeycomb carbon structure and condensed aromatic ring systems, are observed using techniques like Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). These observations provide insights into the morphology and structure of the activated carbon(68).
The surface area and pore volume of the activated carbon are determined using the Brunauer – Emmett-Teller (BET) method. These parameters are crucial for understanding the porosity and adsorption capacity of the activated carbon, which is essential for applications like water treatment and heavy metal removal(69).
The adsorption capacity of jute charcoal for specific molecules, such as hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and Pb2+, is evaluated to assess its effectiveness as an adsorbent. Understanding its adsorption capacity is vital for applications in water treatment and environmental remediation(70).
Different methods cause some properties change in the jute charcoal. Therefore in further section we discuss them in details.
Jute sticks can be carbonized at temperatures ranging from 250°C to 750°C in an electric muffle furnace. The yield and properties of the resulting charcoal vary significantly based on the carbonization temperature(71):
Activated carbons can be prepared from jute stick charcoal by chemical activation using agents like H2SO4, H3PO4, and ZnCl2. This process is typically carried out at temperatures ranging from 300°C to 350°C(72):
Jujube charcoal activated with polypropylene (PP) at 800°C can be loaded with polyethylene glycol (PEG) by vacuum impregnation to prepare composite phase change materials (PCM)(73):
Activated carbon prepared from jute stick charcoal has several potential applications due to its high surface area, porous structure, and abundance of functional groups:
- Jute stick charcoal activated with H2SO4 and H3PO4 at 300-350°C had a high surface area (135-245 m²/g) and large mesopore volume (0.14-0.16 cm³/g), making it effective for removing molecules from aqueous solutions(74).
- Jute stick charcoal was found to be an effective adsorbent for removing hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from aqueous solutions, with a maximum removal of 99% under optimized conditions(75).
- Highly porous carboxylated activated carbon prepared from jute stick was effective for removing Pb2+ from aqueous solutions(75).
- The high surface area and abundance of functional groups on the activated carbon allow it to adsorb heavy metal ions efficiently.
- The activated carbon prepared from jute stick charcoal can be used for various industrial applications due to its high surface area and porous structure(76).
- The honeycomb carbon structure and condensed aromatic ring systems formed during activation provide high adsorption capacity(76).
- The porous structure and high surface area of jute stick activated carbon make it suitable as a catalyst support material in various industrial processes.
- The abundance of functional groups can help anchor catalyst particles and enhance catalytic activity.
There are several advantages of using activated carbon prepared from jute stick charcoal compared to other activated carbons:
Fig 3: - Shows Difference between other charcoal and jute charcoal.
Jute stick charcoal activated with H2SO4 and H3PO4 at 300-350°C had a very high surface area (135-245 m²/g) and large mesopore volume (0.14-0.16 cm³/g) (77). The high surface area and porous structure allow for efficient adsorption of molecules.
The chemical activation process resulted in the release of aliphatic and oxygen-containing functional groups on the activated carbon surface(1). These functional groups enhance the adsorption capacity, especially for heavy metal ions like Pb2+(78).
Jute stick charcoal was found to be an excellent adsorbent for removing hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from aqueous solutions, with a maximum removal of 99% under optimized conditions (79). The high surface area and functional groups enable efficient heavy metal adsorption.
Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the thermal decomposition of jute charcoal occurred in the range of 340-550°C, with a weight loss of 75%(80). The remaining charcoal exhibited good thermal stability.
Jute is an abundant natural fiber crop, and the stick waste can be easily converted into activated carbon (81). Using this agricultural waste as a precursor makes the activated carbon production process more sustainable compared to using fossil fuel-based precursors.
Apart from jute being used in water treatment plant, heavy metal absorption, thermal stability and other things. Jute charcoal shows potential to be utilized in energy storage and biomedical application as follows:
The high surface area and porous structure of jute stick activated carbon could be exploited for energy storage applications like supercapacitors(82). Investigating the electrochemical properties and optimizing the activation process for enhanced energy storage performance is a potential future research area.
The abundance of functional groups and high adsorption capacity of jute stick activated carbon could be explored for biomedical applications like drug delivery and tissue engineering(1)(4). Evaluating its biocompatibility and developing functionalized activated carbon for specific biomedical applications is a promising future direction.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the transformation of jute sticks into activated carbon presents a valuable and sustainable approach to utilizing agricultural waste. The process involves carbonization at controlled temperatures, followed by various activation methods, including chemical activation with agents like H2SO4 and H3PO4, and advanced techniques such as vacuum impregnation with phase change materials. Each method significantly influences the physicochemical properties of the resulting activated carbon, including its surface area, porous structure, and functional group abundance. Activated carbon derived from jute sticks exhibits remarkable potential across multiple applications. In water and wastewater treatment, its high adsorption capacity effectively removes contaminants, including heavy metals and organic pollutants, ensuring cleaner and safer water sources. Its porous structure and high surface area make it an excellent candidate for air purification, capable of capturing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and controlling odors. Additionally, its thermal stability and favorable surface properties allow it to function efficiently as a catalyst support material in various industrial processes. The sustainability and cost-effectiveness of using jute sticks for activated carbon production offer significant environmental benefits. This approach not only provides a practical solution for managing agricultural waste but also contributes to the development of greener industrial practices. The comprehensive examination of production techniques and the advantageous properties of jute stick-based activated carbon underscore its superiority over traditional activated carbons.
In summary, the high surface area, robust porous structure, effective heavy metal adsorption capacity, and overall sustainability make jute stick-derived activated carbon a superior choice for numerous environmental and industrial applications, promoting a more sustainable future.
REFERENCES
Dr. Neeraj Jain, Ankeeta, Ujjwal Dhiman, Palak Chaurasia, Pawni Chaurasia, Pragati Mishra6, Suraj Neupane, Ragini Tripathi, Ankita Tripathi A Sustainable Process for The Preparation of Activated Carbon from Jute Sticks and Its Diverse Industrial Applications, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2026, Vol 4, Issue 3, 1561-1574. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19044680
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