Optimization of chemical activation of cotton fabrics for activated carbon fabrics production using response surface methodology

Abstract

The preparation of activated carbon fabric (ACF) from cotton fabric treated with phosphoric acid (H3PO4) was optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM). Experimental activation variables including; impregnation ratio, heating rate, activation temperature, and activation time were optimized based on the responses evaluated (adsorption capacity, yield of the produced ACF). The operation conditions for obtaining the ACFs with the highest the adsorption capacity and process yield were proposed. Optimized conditions were: impregnation ratio of 2, heating rate of 7.5 °C min−1, the activation temperature of 500 °C, and the activation time of 30 min. The ACFs produced under optimized conditions were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDX). The surface area and pore volume of carbon nanostructures were characterized by nitrogen adsorption isotherm at 77 °K using BET method. The obtained results showed that the produced ACFs have developed porous structure, fabric shape, BET surface area (690 m2/g) and total pore volume (0.3216 cm3/g), and well-preserved fibers integrity.