Surface modification of an activated carbon prepared from pomegranate peel by dicationic ionic liquid

Dicationic ionic liquid (DIL), specifically 3,3'-dimethyl-1,1'-(1,4-phenylenedimethylene)-bis(1H-imidazolium) [p-C6H4(CH2ImMe)2+], containing the dichloride [Cl-]2 anion, referred to as DIL, was utilized for the first time to modify the structure of activated carbon derived from pomegranate peel (ACpp), resulting in activated carbon modified with DIL (AC mod DIL). To confirm insertion of DIL into AC mod DIL, the surface functional groups of prepared samples ACpp and AC mod DIL were analyzed by FTIR, X-rays diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Comparing the FTIR spectra of ACpp and AC mod DIL, it can be noticed the appearance of new peaks in the structure of AC mod DIL. XRD results revealed the amorphous nature of both carbon samples, with slight differences in intensities attributed to the presence of DIL. SEM images confirmed successful modification. AC mod DIL was also analyzed by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method (BET) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The results showed a specific surface area of 244.77 m2•g−1, carbon content of 92.23% respectively. This result confirms that activated carbon (AC mod DIL) is highly carbonaceous material. Methylene blue elimination tests showed high adsorption rate for ACpp 99% and AC mod DIL 97%. Consequently, the modified activated carbon can serve as a potentially environmentally friendly adsorbent for methylene blue removal, showing promising potential for dye wastewater treatment.