Leveraging machine learning for prediction and optimization of texture properties of sustainable activated carbon derived from waste materials

Abstract The increasing demand for sustainable waste management has driven innovation in the production of activated carbon (AC) from waste. AC’s textural properties, including its surface area (SA), total pore volume (TPV), and micropore volume (MPV), are critical for applications such as gas purif...

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Main Authors: Ahmed Farid Ibrahim, Mohamed Abdrabou Hussein
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-04-01
Series:Scientific Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95061-3
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author Ahmed Farid Ibrahim
Mohamed Abdrabou Hussein
author_facet Ahmed Farid Ibrahim
Mohamed Abdrabou Hussein
author_sort Ahmed Farid Ibrahim
collection DOAJ
description Abstract The increasing demand for sustainable waste management has driven innovation in the production of activated carbon (AC) from waste. AC’s textural properties, including its surface area (SA), total pore volume (TPV), and micropore volume (MPV), are critical for applications such as gas purification and wastewater treatment. However, the traditional assessment methods are expensive and complex. This study employed machine learning (ML) models to predict AC’s properties and optimize its production process. Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree (DT), Gradient Boosting Regressor (GBR), support vector machines (SVM), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) were applied along with key input parameters, including raw material type, particle size, and activation conditions. A genetic algorithm (GA) integrated with the GBR model optimizes the synthesis process. The ML models, particularly RF and GBR, accurately predicted SA with R2 values exceeding 0.96. In contrast, the linear regression models were inadequate, with R2 values below 0.6, emphasizing the non-linear relationship between the inputs and outputs. Sensitivity analysis showed that the activation temperature, ratio of the activating agent to carbon, and particle size significantly affected the AC properties. Optimal properties were achieved under activation temperatures between 800 and 900 °C and activating-agent to the carbon ratio 3.8. This approach provides a scalable solution for enhancing AC production sustainability, while addressing critical waste management challenges.
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spelling doaj-art-8d78cba353ab40ebbb69ed28091c29c22025-08-20T01:54:29ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-04-0115112510.1038/s41598-025-95061-3Leveraging machine learning for prediction and optimization of texture properties of sustainable activated carbon derived from waste materialsAhmed Farid Ibrahim0Mohamed Abdrabou Hussein1Department of Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences, King Fahd University of Petroleum & MineralsInterdisciplinary Research Center for Advanced Materials, King Fahd University of Petroleum & MineralsAbstract The increasing demand for sustainable waste management has driven innovation in the production of activated carbon (AC) from waste. AC’s textural properties, including its surface area (SA), total pore volume (TPV), and micropore volume (MPV), are critical for applications such as gas purification and wastewater treatment. However, the traditional assessment methods are expensive and complex. This study employed machine learning (ML) models to predict AC’s properties and optimize its production process. Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree (DT), Gradient Boosting Regressor (GBR), support vector machines (SVM), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) were applied along with key input parameters, including raw material type, particle size, and activation conditions. A genetic algorithm (GA) integrated with the GBR model optimizes the synthesis process. The ML models, particularly RF and GBR, accurately predicted SA with R2 values exceeding 0.96. In contrast, the linear regression models were inadequate, with R2 values below 0.6, emphasizing the non-linear relationship between the inputs and outputs. Sensitivity analysis showed that the activation temperature, ratio of the activating agent to carbon, and particle size significantly affected the AC properties. Optimal properties were achieved under activation temperatures between 800 and 900 °C and activating-agent to the carbon ratio 3.8. This approach provides a scalable solution for enhancing AC production sustainability, while addressing critical waste management challenges.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95061-3Porous carbonActivated carbonMachine learningSurface areaSustainable waste management
spellingShingle Ahmed Farid Ibrahim
Mohamed Abdrabou Hussein
Leveraging machine learning for prediction and optimization of texture properties of sustainable activated carbon derived from waste materials
Scientific Reports
Porous carbon
Activated carbon
Machine learning
Surface area
Sustainable waste management
title Leveraging machine learning for prediction and optimization of texture properties of sustainable activated carbon derived from waste materials
title_full Leveraging machine learning for prediction and optimization of texture properties of sustainable activated carbon derived from waste materials
title_fullStr Leveraging machine learning for prediction and optimization of texture properties of sustainable activated carbon derived from waste materials
title_full_unstemmed Leveraging machine learning for prediction and optimization of texture properties of sustainable activated carbon derived from waste materials
title_short Leveraging machine learning for prediction and optimization of texture properties of sustainable activated carbon derived from waste materials
title_sort leveraging machine learning for prediction and optimization of texture properties of sustainable activated carbon derived from waste materials
topic Porous carbon
Activated carbon
Machine learning
Surface area
Sustainable waste management
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95061-3
work_keys_str_mv AT ahmedfaridibrahim leveragingmachinelearningforpredictionandoptimizationoftexturepropertiesofsustainableactivatedcarbonderivedfromwastematerials
AT mohamedabdrabouhussein leveragingmachinelearningforpredictionandoptimizationoftexturepropertiesofsustainableactivatedcarbonderivedfromwastematerials