Kinetics of spent activated carbon regeneration

Abstract

AbstractPyrolysis and regeneration kinetics of 11 spent activated carbons were studied using a thermal balance and a fludized bed reactor. The adsorbates were aromatic compounds with different types and number of side groups, and most of the side groups were lost on pyrolysis, leaving a residue about equal to the weight of the aromatic portion of the adsorbate. The residues from alkyl phenols reacted with oxygen at 770‐920 K at rates up to 12 times the rate for the base carbon. There was a similar increase in oxygen chemisorption indicating increased number of active sites. The adsorption capacity of the carbons was mostly recovered by pyrolysis, even though the surface area and pore volume were reduced by the residue. Some oxidative regeneration is probably necessary to restore adsorption capacity for repeated use.