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Activated Carbon from Selected Wood-Based Waste Materials

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  • Małgorzata Kajda-Szcześniak

    (Department of Technologies and Installations for Waste Management, Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 18 Konarskiego St., 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Anna Mainka

    (Department of Air Protection, Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 22B Konarskiego St., 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Waldemar Ścierski

    (Department of Technologies and Installations for Waste Management, Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 18 Konarskiego St., 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Mirosława Pawlyta

    (Materials Research Laboratory, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 18A Konarskiego St., 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Dariusz Łukowiec

    (Materials Research Laboratory, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 18A Konarskiego St., 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Krzysztof Matus

    (Materials Research Laboratory, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 18A Konarskiego St., 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Kalina Turyła

    (Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 18 Konarskiego St., 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Daniel Lot

    (Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 18 Konarskiego St., 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Weronika Barańska

    (Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 18 Konarskiego St., 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Anna Jabłońska

    (Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 18 Konarskiego St., 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

Abstract

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) and the circular economy can address the growing challenge of managing wood-based waste in the context of sustainability. This research explores pyrolysis as an effective method for converting wood-based waste, i.e., bamboo flooring (BF) and high-density fiberboard floor panels (HDF), into valuable products, particularly char. Char samples were activated through two distinct methods: (1) thermal activation at 700 and 850 °C and (2) chemical activation with KOH. Analytical techniques, including elemental and heavy metals analysis, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and TEM were used to assess the chemical composition and surface characteristics of the produced chars. Elemental analysis showed a notable rise in the amount of carbon to 81% and 75% in BF and HDF, respectively. The nitrogen content was relatively high in HDF at 5.12%. Heavy metals analysis revealed total metal contents ranging from 3632 to 9494 ppm in BF chars and 1717 to 7426 ppm in HDF chars. Raman spectra exhibited characteristic D and G bands, with I D /I G ratios of 0.83 for BF and 0.85 for HDF after activation. SEM and TEM analyses revealed heterogeneous porous structures with dominant carbon elements. The high carbon content, low toxicity, and advantageous elemental composition of the chars make them suitable for environmental applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Małgorzata Kajda-Szcześniak & Anna Mainka & Waldemar Ścierski & Mirosława Pawlyta & Dariusz Łukowiec & Krzysztof Matus & Kalina Turyła & Daniel Lot & Weronika Barańska & Anna Jabłońska, 2025. "Activated Carbon from Selected Wood-Based Waste Materials," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-21, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:7:p:2995-:d:1622228
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    References listed on IDEAS

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