Study of Texture and Sorption Characteristics of Activated Carbon Obtained from Apricot Kernel Shells

The article studies the textural and sorption characteristics of activated carbon obtained from apricot kernel shells. The activation process involves carbonization at 800 °C and chemical activation with phosphoric acid at 400 °C. The textural properties of the carbon were studied by low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, revealing a specific surface area of 1200 m²/g and a microporous structure. The physicochemical properties were determined by IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and elemental analysis, which indicated the presence of functional groups and a high carbon content. The sorption properties were evaluated based on the adsorption of methylene blue and phenol from aqueous solutions and demonstrated high sorption capacity. The results obtained indicate the prospects for using apricot kernel peel to produce effective activated carbon suitable for cleaning the aquatic environment from organic pollutants.