Surface and porous characterization of two commercial activated carbons with polymer and petroleum coke as precursors

Abstract

In this paper two premium carbons, i.e., XE series and AZ, with alternative raw materials as precursors are well characterized and compared with conventional products in terms of macroporosity, microporosity, hydrophobicity, and surface oxidation potential. Both XE and AX show a bimodal type of pore size distribution as opposed to a wide distribution of conventional products. Microporosity, or absorption properties, for all carbons except XE-340 can be described will with the absorption potential theory. AX has more than twice the effective microporous volume and a steeper profile than others. XE-348 on the other hand has more level profile with an excellent capacity for the absorption energy ( /4.6V) [lt] 10. XE-340 is very hydrophobic and inert to oxidation potential measured by acetone absorption. Its characteristic curve is not fitted well with the potential measured by acetone absorption. its characteristic curve is not fitted well with the potential theory. These unique properties of XE-340 may be attributed to its polymer-like surface as a result of incomplete carbonization. The methodology developed for measuring surface oxidation potential with flow microcalorimeter proves useful for evaluating the intrinsic surface property of activated carbon.