Development and optimization of biomass-derived activated carbon for enhancing water retention in agriculture

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32523/5da1jn33

Keywords:

activated carbon, agricultural waste, moisture-retaining substrate, porous structure, adsorption properties

Abstract

Sustainable agriculture amid climate change and water scarcity necessitates innovative materials with enhanced water-holding capacity, such as biomass-based carbon substrates. This study investigates the textural and adsorption characteristics of activated carbon (AC) synthesized from rice husk using varying mass ratios of sorbent to potassium hydroxide (KOH) (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4). The objective was to optimize chemical activation conditions to develop a porous structure for efficient water retention. The methodology employed density functional theory (DFT) and the Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH) method for structural analysis. Results indicated that a 1:3 ratio achieves the maximum total pore volume (1.6 cm3/g) and a high specific surface area (2900 m2/g). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed hydrophilic functional groups (O-H, C=O, C-O) essential for moisture binding. Water retention experiments, conducted in triplicate (n=3), demonstrated that the 1:3 sample maintains superior moisture stability at both 22°C and 50°C compared to low-activation (1:1, 1:2) and over-activated (1:4) samples. Comparative analysis reveals that the optimized AC outperforms traditional biochar and zeolites in specific surface area while ensuring the long-term stability of the carbon framework. These findings confirm the critical role of balanced micro- and mesoporosity in slowing water evaporation. The study suggests that such materials are promising, environmentally friendly, moisture-conserving agents for increasing agrocenose productivity in arid regions. 

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Author Biographies

  • Yerlan Doszhanov, NJSC “Al-Farabi Kazakh National University”; RSE “Institute of Combustion Problems”

    PhD, Associate Professor; Head of the Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology

  • Dana Akhmetzhanova, NJSC “Al-Farabi Kazakh National University”; RSE “Institute of Combustion Problems”

    Doctoral Student; Junior Researcher

  • Arman Zhumazhanov, NJSC “Al-Farabi Kazakh National University”; RSE “Institute of Combustion Problems”

    Doctoral Student; Senior Laboratory Assistant

  • Ospan Doszhanov, JSC “Almaty Technological University”

    Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor

  • Zere Nurbol, Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Science and Mathematics

    Grade 11 Student

  • Magzhan Ospan, JOO High School

    Grade 10 Student

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Published

2026-04-03

Issue

Vol. 154 No. 1 (2026):

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Ерлан Досжанов, Дана Ахметжанова, Арман Жумажанов, Оспан Досжанов, Зере Нұрбол, Мағжан Оспан (Автор)

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How to Cite

Development and optimization of biomass-derived activated carbon for enhancing water retention in agriculture. (2026). Journal of Ecology and Sustainability, 154(1), 77-92. https://doi.org/10.32523/5da1jn33

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