Biomass derived carbon materials: Synthesis and application towards CO2 and H2S adsorption

Abstract

AbstractPorous carbon materials derived from palm date seeds, guava seeds and winged beans are proposed as environmentally friendly and efficient adsorbents for CO2 and H2S adsorption. The feedstock is converted into hydrochar via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), at 200°C, for several hours, and the textural properties are tuned using the chemical activation approach with KOH. The activated carbons (ACs) prepared in here are characterized by high surface areas, more than 2000 m2 g‐1, and large pore volumes (1.23 cm3 g‐1). It is observed that a lower concentration of KOH results in a larger number of micropores, leading to improved gas uptake properties. The carbons obtained in here present sponge‐like structure with particle sizes in the range of 5–100 µm. Their morphology is characterized by irregular particle shape with large conchoidal cavities and smooth surfaces. The samples display significant gas adsorption capacity, with 5.47 mmol g‐1 CO2 uptake at 0°C, 1 bar and 4.36 mmol g‐1 at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. H2S adsorption is achieved with more than 50% adsorption efficiency in 1 hour exposure time. Through this study we aim to add up to the eco‐friendly and cost‐effective materials, derived from biomass, suitable and efficient in CO2 and H2S adsorption.