Innovative resource recovery: converting discarded disposable diapers (D3) into activated carbon using Box–Behnken design

D. R. S. I. Shah; N. F. Anuar; S. Z. Roslan; M. Musa; W. M. A. W. Daud; A. B. Alias; N. Aghamohammadi

doi:10.1007/s13762-025-06638-4

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Innovative resource recovery: converting discarded disposable diapers (D3) into activated carbon using Box–Behnken design

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Innovative resource recovery: converting discarded disposable diapers (D3) into activated carbon using Box–Behnken design

D. R. S. I. Shah, N. F. Anuar, S. Z. Roslan, M. Musa, W. M. A. W. Daud, A. B. Alias and N. Aghamohammadi

International journal of environmental science and technology (Tehran)

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-025-06638-4

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Abstract

Activated carbon

Discarded disposable diapers

Pyrolysis

Sustainability

Waste-to-resource

This study aims to optimize the production of activated carbon from discarded disposable diapers (D3AC) using Box–Behnken design (BBD) under response surface methodology. Biochar (D3B) was initially produced via carbonization at 900 °C for 90 min under nitrogen flow, followed by physical activation with CO 2 . The BBD model demonstrated strong reliability (R 2 = 0.9972), effectively predicting the influence of activation temperature, holding time, and CO₂ flowrate on surface area development. Under optimized conditions, D3AC exhibited a BET surface area of 1235.32 m 2 /g, significantly higher than that of D3B (479.79 m 2 /g), with a well-developed microporous structure. In contrast, D3B displayed higher total pore volume and ash content. These findings confirm the successful enhancement of porosity and surface characteristics through parameter optimization and support the feasibility of thermochemical conversion using statistical design. Graphical abstract

Details

Title: Innovative resource recovery: converting discarded disposable diapers (D3) into activated carbon using Box–Behnken design
Authors/Creators: D. R. S. I. Shah
N. F. Anuar - Universiti Teknologi MARA
S. Z. Roslan
M. Musa - Universiti Teknologi MARA
W. M. A. W. Daud
A. B. Alias - Tun Hussein Onn University of Malaysia
N. Aghamohammadi
Publication Details: International journal of environmental science and technology (Tehran)
Publisher: Springer Nature; NEW YORK
Number of pages: 11
Identifiers: 991005796261207891
Copyright: © The Author(s) 2025
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.45 Soil Science; 3.45.1903 Biochar
Web Of Science research areas: Environmental Sciences
ESI research areas: Environment/Ecology