Plasma functionalized carbon was produced using a simple atmospheric plasma activation procedure on pyrolyzed coconut coir. A significant increase in surface functional groups, including −NH2, −C=O, and epoxy −COC−, were observed in the plasma functionalized material. Owing to the synergetic effect of pore structure development and enhanced surface functionality, the plasma functionalized material displays excellent toxic pollutants removal capability from the aqueous and gaseous phases.

Abstract

Herein, the surface of pyrolyzed coconut coir (PCC) dust has been functionalized using atmospheric plasma under non-equilibrium conditions without utilizing vacuum chambers. The reactive species present in the plasma such as, molecular ions, electrons, and radicals interact with PCC's surface, leading to the introduction of epoxy, carbonyl and amino functional groups on carbon surface. The resulting plasma functionalized carbon (PFC) material was characterized using several advanced material characterization techniques, including PXRD, FTIR, XPS, N₂ BET specific surface area, SEM and TEM imaging techniques, etc. Moreover, it has been used in diverse applications in toxic gas removal (CO₂, CO, NO_x), fluoride (F⁻) removal from drinking water and cationic organic dye (methylene blue–MB) removal. The reported method for synthesis of functional carbon introduces a platform technology for low carbon footprint, green synthesis of advanced functional materials.