Mass Balance and Performance Analysis of Potassium Hydroxide Activated Carbon

Abstract

Highly nanoporous carbon with surface areas in excess of 3,000 m2/g can be produced via potassium hydroxide (KOH) activation of a high surface area (1,150 m2/g) carbon intermediate. These materials have exhibited methane storage capabilities in excess of 20 wt % at ambient temperature with interest toward commercial production. In preparation for commercial production, detailed mass balances are needed to quantify yield and waste streams, understand the propensity to recycle the KOH, and to provide a benchmark for further optimization. Analytical processes used to evaluate produced carbon performance are detailed in addition to a mass balance on the reaction of KOH with carbon and a KOH balance. Carbon balances revealed that increasing activation time and activation temperature produce lower yields of carbon.