CO2 capture using N-containing nanoporous activated carbon obtained from argan fruit shells

Abstract

The present work investigates the CO2 capture by activated carbons prepared from Argan fruits shells. The protocol consist on carbonization followed by activation using wet impregnation or dry physical mixing with activating agents such as KOH or NaOH. The as-prepared samples have been subjected to textural investigations and comprehensive characterizations using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray diffraction, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy. Values of specific surface areas and pore volume up to 2251 m2/g and 1.04 cm3/g, respectively, were extracted from adsorption isotherms that allow, also, determination of pores sizes and surface energy distributions. Of interest, the chemical composition given by EDX revealing significant N content up to 13.90 wt% and approved by FTIR spectroscopy. Moreover, the CO2 isotherms measured, under 1 bar and 25 °C, show uptake capacity reaching 5.63 mmol/g. This values is likely attributed to CO2 adsorption by the prepared activated carbon combining large surface area, narrow micropores and the N containing surface functionalities.