Optimization of Mesoporous Activated Carbon from Coconut Shells by Chemical Activation with Phosphoric Acid

Abstract

Mesoporous activated carbons were prepared from coconut shells by the method of chemical activation with H 3 PO 4 . Effects of main influence factors on the yield and adsorption properties of activated carbon were studied via orthogonal experiments. Experimental results under the optimum conditions were as follows: the yield of the activated carbon was 36.90%; methylene blue adsorption was 21.5 mL/0.1 g; and the iodine number was 889.36 mg/g. The surface area of the activated carbon prepared was 891 m 2 /g, as determined by the BET method. HorvathKawazoe equations (H-K) and density functional theory (DFT) were introduced to analyze the porous structures of the activated carbon. It was shown that the activated carbon was mesoporous, with a total pore volume of 0.7233 mL/g, a micropore volume of 37.06%, a mesopore volume of 62.85%, and a macropore volume of 0.07%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies demonstrated the results of the pore structure analysis.

Preparation and characterization of flax, hemp and sisal fiber-derived mesoporous activated carbon adsorbents

“…The maxima of the distribution curves occur at 1.8 nm for all the adsorbents and their pore volumes are similar to each other (0.36 cm 3 /g, 0.304 cm 3 /g, and 0.32 cm 3 /g, respectively). Wang et al studied mesoporous AC from coconut shells with H 3 PO 4 activating agent (Wang et al, 2013). They used the Horvath-Kawazoe model for the micropore size distribution and observed broad micropore size distribution with two peaks at 0.55 and 0.59 nm.…”

Thermochemical treatment of fly ash for synthesis of mesoporous activated carbon

“…The carbon content and the experimental conditions influence the pore structure and the surface morphology of the produced carbon. Chemical activation using different metal salts and/or oxidizing agents leads to the dehydration and pyrolysis of the raw material at low temperature [4]. Thermal treatment in the presence of carbon dioxide, steam, or partially oxidizing gases develops a pore structure in the AC which significantly increases the surface area.…”

Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbon Produced from Eriobotrya japonica Seed by Chemical Activation with ZnCl2

“…Adsorption isotherms: The chemical properties of the adsorbent, the porous structure and the heat adsorption are determined with adsorption isotherms. The porosity of acti-vated carbon substances is generally described by handling N2 adsorption method [24]. Fig.…”