The use of activated carbon prepared from olive stone as a novel non-conventional low cost catalyst for ozonation of reactive red 195 azo dye

The objective of this study is to investigate the performance of catalytic ozonation process using a novel activated carbon (AC) catalyst prepared from olive stone for degradation of a model RR 195 azo dye in aqueous solutions. Three activation reactants (KOH, ZnCl2 and H3PO4) was investigated for the best catalytic performance. The prepared AC sample was investigated by means of surface area and particle size in nano scale. Performance of this AC sample was compared with commercial products. Active carbon prepared KOH treated olive stone has the best catalytic properties. Optimization of the reaction pH was made in accordance with the absorbance values of ozone treated aqueous solutions (absorbances at 532 nm), the absorbance of double bonds and aromatics (absorbances at 220 and 280 nm, respectively).