Date of Completion

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

Keywords

Cacao, Pod Husk, Lignin, Activated Carbon, Charcoal, Adsorption

Abstract

The Philippines' expanding cocoa industry generates significant post-harvest waste, particularly cacao pod husks. These husks contain valuable biopolymers like lignin, an abundant but less utilized biomaterial and a suitable resource for novel products. Lignin valorization offers a sustainable solution for utilizing post-harvest accumulation and sustainability. The study employed various methods and analysis to extract and characterize the properties of synthesized lignin- derived activated carbon from the pod husk of cacao. The study successfully extracted lignin from

cacao pod husks using organic solvents, confirmed by FT-IR analysis. The extracted lignin was converted to activated carbon in a lab-scale carbonizer followed by chemical treatment with KOH for activation. SEM-EDX revealed an amorphous, porous surface with potential adsorption sites and confirmed the carbon-rich surface with infused oxygen species from activation and traces of other elements, verifying the potential of lignin as a carbon source in the synthesis of biomaterials. Thermogravimetric analysis determined the presence of ash exceeding quality standards, potentially due to inorganic compounds detected by EDX. Adsorption isotherm models suggest high affinity and moderate capacity between the activated carbon and the adsorbates, potentially applicable to similar molecules. The activated carbon derived from its lignin-precursor is a promising material that has practical applications in various fields. Despite not meeting the quality standards of SNI, it has demonstrated its effectiveness and efficiency as an adsorbent.

First Advisor

Walter Aljhon T. Espiritu

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