Microwave pyrolysis of waste biomass and synthesis of micro-mesoporous activated carbons: The role of textural properties for CO2 and textile dye adsorption

Hierarchical porous activated carbons (ACs) were efficiently synthesized in less than 2 min using microwaves and phosphoric acid (H3PO4), exhibiting excellent potential as adsorbent for carbon dioxide (CO2) and Methylene Blue (MB). The method emphasizes the development of selective physicochemical and textural properties crucial for CO2 post-combustion capture and textile dye removal from water, using agricultural waste as carbon precursor to address the environmental and economic challenges associated with the preparation of ACs. Dielectric properties confirmed H3PO4 increased the microwave absorption properties of the biomass. Employing a single-step method, the resulting ACs exhibited large specific surface areas exceeding 1000 m2g−1, achieved in less than 2 min and relatively low energies (2.4 GJ ton-1). Sample 0.4H4 displayed a surface area of 1145 m2g−1 and a significant ultra-micropore (<0.7 nm) content, demonstrating a CO2 uptake of 4.1 and 2.8 mmolg−1 at 0 and 25 °C, with high CO2/N2 selectivity (>38). The sample exhibited rapid CO2 uptake in 5 min and efficient regeneration after 20 adsorption–desorption cycles. Sample 0.3H3 developed large mesoporosity and a high surface area of 1217 m2g−1 with less than 3 min of treatment. The maximum dye removal was 281 mgg−1 and adsorption mechanisms involved diffusion into the mesoporous matrix, electrostatic interactions, H-bonding between AC and MB acid groups, and π–π interactions. The experimental data best fitted the Freundlich model. The results confirmed that microwaves have the potential to convert waste to micro-mesoporous ACs that can be used for a wide range of applications with significant processing time reductions and superior product qualities compared to conventional technologies.