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Disc-shaped monoliths molded from KOH-activated carbon powder (AC) and novolac resin (N) or poly(furfuryl alhohol) (P) binder were activated with CO 2 to open an access to the microporosity that was blocked by the binder char. The variation in the porous texture of monoliths was characterized by the N 2 adsorption at 77 K and mercury porosimetry. The results show that using N allows the monoliths to be activated to a higher burnoff compared to P (30 vs 15 wt %) without noticeable loss of the integrity and mechanical strength. The increase in the surface area and micropore volume on activation is accompanied by a considerable development of meso-and macropores and a decrease in bulk density of monoliths. The behavior has been discussed as an effect of excessive reactivity to carbon dioxide of KOH-activated carbon compared to binder derived char. The preferential burnoff of accessible activated carbon particles limits the enhancement of volumetric storage capacity with activation progress of monolith. The maximum methane uptake of 10.7 mmol g −1 at 25 °C and 3.5 MPa was measured for the activated monolith made using novolac binder.

According to the regulations of the European Parliament on fertilizer products, by July 2024, all substances used for coating fertilizers should be biodegradable. A series of coated fertilizers was prepared, which differed in the amount of applied coating layer. The core of the composition was granular ammonium nitrate, which contains 27% nitrogen. The effects of the amount of oil layers were examined. The article shows the results of IR testing and Iodine Value of the materials used. The coated fertilizer was evaluated for the release of nutrients under water conditions according to the standard ISO 21263, and the water samples were taken after every day for a 7-day period. The nitrogen content was analysed by elemental analysis. Microscopic pictures of the fertilizer composition were taken before release. The obtained product had potential controlled-release properties and was environmentally friendly. The tested material shows high potential as a component of a two-layer coated fertilizer. This type of fertilizer could be particularly useful in agricultural and horticultural applications.