Formation Of Micropores Research Articles

Tailored Porous Carbon Xerogels for Fe-N-C Catalysts in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells.

Atomically dispersed Fe-N-C catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) have been synthesized with a template-free method using carbon xerogels (CXG) as a porous matrix. The porosity of the CXGs is easily tunable through slight variations in the synthesis procedure. In this work, CXGs are prepared by formaldehyde and resorcinol polymerization, modifying the pH during the process. Materials with a broad range of porous structures are obtained: from non-porous to micro-/meso-/macroporous materials. The porous properties of CXG have a direct effect on Fe-N-CXG activity against ORR in an acidic medium (0.5 M H2SO4). Macropores and wide mesopores are vital to favor the mass transport of reagents to the active sites available in the micropores, while narrower mesopores can generate additional tortuosity. The role of microporosity is investigated by comparing two Fe-N-C catalysts using the same CXG as the matrix but following a different Fe and N doping procedure. In one case, the carbonization of CXG occurs rapidly and simultaneously with Fe and N doping, whereas in the other case it proceeds slowly, under controlled conditions and before the doping process, resulting in the formation of more micropores and active sites and achieving higher activity in a three-electrode cell and a better durability during fuel cell measurements. This work proves the feasibility of the template-free method using CXG as a carbon matrix for Fe-N-C catalysts, with the novelty of the controlled porous properties of the carbon material and its effect on the catalytic activity of the Fe-N-C catalyst. Moreover, the results obtained highlight the importance of the carbon matrix's porous structure in influencing the activity of Fe-N-C catalysts against ORR.

Effect of Carbon Xerogel Activation on Fe−N−C Catalyst Activity in Fuel Cells

AbstractFe−N−C catalysts are an interesting option for polymer electrolyte fuel cells due to their low cost and high activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Since Fe−N−C active sites are preferentially formed in the micropores of the carbon matrix, increasing the microporosity is highly appealing. In this work, carbon xerogels (CXG) were activated by physical and chemical methods to favor the formation of micropores, used as carbon matrices for Fe−N−C catalysts, and investigated for the ORR. The catalysts were characterized by solid‐state techniques to determine chemical composition and pore structure. Physical activation increased microporosity up to 2‐fold leading to catalysts with a larger density of active sites (more than twice iron and nitrogen uptake, pyridinic N and Nx−Fe). This entailed a higher ORR intrinsic activity determined in a 3‐electrode cell (80 mV better half‐wave potential). At the cathode of a fuel cell, the catalysts based on activated carbon materials showed 26 % lower power density ascribed to a more hydrophilic surface, causing a larger extent of flooding of the electrode that counterbalances the higher intrinsic activity. Interestingly, a more stable behavior was observed for the activated catalysts, with up to 2‐fold better relative power density retention after 20‐hour operation.

Electrical, Thermal, and Structural Characterization of Plant-Based 3D Printed Gel Polymer Electrolytes for Future Electrochemical Applications.

In this work, a plant-based resin gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) was prepared by stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing. Lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) with a concentration between 0 wt.% and 25 wt.% was added into the plant-based resin to observe its influence on electrical and structural characteristics. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed shifts in the carbonyl, ester, and amine groups, proving that complexation between the polymer and LiClO4 had occurred. GPEs with a 20 wt.% LiClO4 (S20) showed the highest room temperature conductivity of 3.05 × 10-3 S cm-1 due to the highest number of free ions as determined from FTIR deconvolution. The mobility of free ions in S20 electrolytes was also the highest due to greater micropore formation, as observed via field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images. Transference number measurements suggest that ionic mobility plays a pivotal role in influencing the conductivity of S20 electrolytes. Based on this work, it can be concluded that the plant-based resin GPE with LiClO4 is suitable for future electrochemical applications.

Cellulose nanocrystals-reinforced waterborne epoxy coatings with enhanced corrosion resistance for steel

The practical applications of waterborne epoxy coatings are limited due to their poor barrier properties caused by the formation of numerous micropores and defects during the curing process. Herein, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs)-reinforced waterborne epoxy coatings were fabricated by the direct addition of 0.2–1.0 wt% CNCs to waterborne epoxy emulsion followed by amine curing agent addition and spray coating. The incorporation of 0.2–0.5 wt% CNCs had no discernible impact on the stability of the waterborne epoxy emulsion. This led to the uniform dispersion of CNCs in the cured coating matrix, as evidenced by differential scanning calorimetry analysis. Because of the good compatibility, 0.2–0.5 wt% CNCs-reinforced epoxy coatings exhibited superior corrosion protection performance for steels. The impedance modulus of these coatings remained at 108 Ω cm2 after being immersed in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution for 21 d. The hydroxyl groups present on the CNC surface undergo a reaction with the epoxy group, enhancing intermolecular interaction and leading to the formation of a defect-free dense structure that improves coating barrier properties. However, the incorporation of an excessive amount of CNCs (i.e., 0.8 and 1.0 wt%) significantly compromised the corrosion resistance of epoxy coatings due to aggregation-induced coating defects. Overall, this study provides a facile and green strategy for corrosion resistance improvement of waterborne epoxy coatings.

Dynamics of Microbubbles Induced by Thermal Shock in Inconel 718 Pulsed Laser Spot Welding and Formation of Micropores after Solidification in Molten Pool

Dynamics of Microbubbles Induced by Thermal Shock in Inconel 718 Pulsed Laser Spot Welding and Formation of Micropores after Solidification in Molten Pool

Waste-Wood-Isolated Cellulose-Based Activated Carbon Paper Electrodes with Graphene Nanoplatelets for Flexible Supercapacitors

Waste wood, which has a large amount of cellulose fibers, should be transformed into useful materials for addressing environmental and resource problems. Thus, this study analyzed the application of waste wood as supercapacitor electrode material. First, cellulose fibers were extracted from waste wood and mixed with different contents of graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) in water. Using a facile filtration method, cellulose papers with GnPs were prepared and converted into carbon papers through carbonization and then to porous activated carbon papers containing GnPs (ACP−GnP) through chemical activation processes. For the morphology of ACP−GnP, activated carbon fibers with abundant pores were formed. The increase in the amount of GnPs attached to the fiber surfaces decreased the number of pores. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface areas and specific capacitance of the ACP−GnP electrodes decreased with an increase in the GnP content. However, the galvanostatic charge–discharge curves of ACPs with higher GnP contents gradually changed into triangular and linear shapes, which are associated with the capacitive performance. For example, ACP with 15 wt% GnP had a low mass transfer resistance and high charge delivery of ions, resulting in the specific capacitance value of 267 Fg−1 owing to micropore and mesopore formation during the activation of carbon paper.

Hydrothermal Carbonization of Cellulose with Ammonium Sulfate and Thiourea for the Production of Supercapacitor Carbon.

Doping with heteroatoms is the main method used to enhance energy storage with carbon materials, and polyatomic doping is one of the main challenges. Hydrothermal carbonization of cellulose was performed at 240 °C for 1 h. Ammonium sulfate and thiourea dopants were selected as the sources of inorganic nitrogen and organic nitrogen in the preparation of supercapacitor carbon. The effects of boric acid on the properties of the resulting hydrochar after KOH activation were examined. The results showed that the proportion of functional groups and the specific surface area of the activated hydrochar were reduced by the addition of boric acid, and the formation of micropores was inhibited. The hydrochar obtained from the reaction of cellulose and organic nitrogen compounds had a better pore size distribution and electrochemical properties after activation. The largest specific surface area (952.27 m2/g) was obtained when thiourea was used as the sole dopant. In a three-electrode system, the specific capacitance of the activated hydrochar reached 235.8 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g. After 20,000 charging and discharging cycles at a current density of 10 A/g, the capacitance retention rate was 99.96%. Therefore, this study showed that supercapacitor carbon with good electrochemical properties was obtained by the direct reactions of cellulose with organic nitrogen compounds.

A novel and facile preparation of superhydrophilic/superoleophobic Mg(OH)2/ZnO coated mesh for fast and efficient oil/water separation

This study presents a new method for the rapid preparation of a superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic Mg(OH)2/ZnO coated mesh. Through one-step electrodeposition, a high underwater oil contact angle of 168.54° was achieved on the coated mesh. The electrodeposition process involved the deposition of ZnO nanoparticles on the cathode due to the presence of Mg2+ in the electroplating solution, while Mg(OH)2 was simultaneously formed on the surface of the cathode copper mesh. The cathode surface, where hydrogen is generated, leads to the formation of micropores and nanosheets on the Mg(OH)2/ZnO coated mesh structure. This structural feature traps more water molecules, further enhancing the superhydrophilicity of the coated mesh. The oil/water separation efficiencies for p-xylene, kerosene, paraffin liquid, and mineral oil were 99.8 %, 99.3 %, 99.5 %, and 99.4 %, respectively. The separation efficiency remained higher than 99.2 % even after conducting 350 p-xylene/water separation experiments. Additionally, the coated mesh displayed a strong oil/water separation ability after being immersed in alkali and salt solutions (pH = 7, 9) for 10 h. The coated mesh exhibited an enhanced water flux of (2.99 ± 0.20) × 105 L·m−2·h−1, along with a heightened invasion pressure (>2.8 kPa) and excellent oil-resistance performance. Overall, the Mg(OH)2/ZnO coated mesh developed in this study shows promising potential as a membrane for fast and efficient oil/water separation, with outstanding durability.

Corrosion behavior of Ti powder enhanced potassium silicate coating with solid NaCl deposit in wet oxygen at 500 °C

The potassium silicate coatings modified with various contents of Ti powders were prepared on the surfaces of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The corrosion tests of NaCl coated specimens were conducted in wet oxygen at 500 °C for 50 h. The corrosion depth of the bare Ti-6Al-4V alloy was deeper than 60 μm while the mass gain reached to about 1.9 mg/cm2. All the coatings exhibited excellent protection against corrosion as corrosion products have been hardly detected. The main roles of the Ti powders in the coatings are believed to be prohibiting formation of micro-pores and oxygen permeation through the coatings.

Dissolution of alkali lignin in ionic liquid to fabricate nitrogen-doped carbon microspheres for electrochemical supercapacitors

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been extensively sought after for green solvents, catalysts, adsorbents, and carbon precursors. Herein, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([Emim][Ac])–lignin nitrogen-doped carbon microspheres (ECLMs) were easily synthesized through pre-oxidation and carbonization processes using a solution containing [Emim][Ac] and alkali lignin. The pre-oxidation process is analogous to the ionothermal carbonization method, wherein [Emim][Ac] serves as a reaction medium for preparing the ELCMs precursor. During the carbonization process, [Emim][Ac] served as a templating agent and heteroatom source to facilitate nitrogen doping and formation of micropores and mesopores. The as-synthesized ELCMs exhibits a considerably high specific surface area of 1267.2 m2/g and an optimal nitrogen-doping level of 2.21 %. This reveals its potential as a promising candidate for electrode materials in supercapacitor. The ELCMs demonstrate a remarkable specific capacitance of 262.5 F/g at 0.5 A/g and excellent rate capability in a three-electrode system. Additionally, the symmetric supercapacitor fabricated with electrode materials of ELCMs and a cellulose separator exhibits excellent cycling stability, with an impressive capacitance retention rate of 91.0 % after undergoing 5000 cycles at 5 A/g. Moreover, it achieves an ideal energy density of 4.17 Wh/kg at power density of 126 W/kg. This study investigates an effective strategy for designing and synthesizing different heteroatom-doped carbon materials from IL-biomass resources to enhance their applicability in energy storage devices.

Multi-physical and anti-corrosion properties of graphene-reinforced epoxy nanocomposite coatings for industrial applications

Polymer-based coatings are widely used as a protective barrier to corrosion, but their performance is not sufficiently sustainable for industrial applications due to the formation of micropores and microcracks during solidification. Graphene is a promising reinforcing element acting as a filler for polymeric coatings. This study used 1–5 wt% graphene synthesized by the electrochemical exfoliation process as a reinforcing nanofiller to manufacture graphene-reinforced epoxy nanocomposite (GREN) coatings. Copper was used as a substrate material for coating with GREN by a bar coating method. GREN coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, FESEM, and EDX. A comprehensive investigation was conducted on the various multi-physical properties of GREN coatings, including coating thickness, surface roughness, adhesiveness, surface wettability, water absorptivity, thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and anti-corrosion capabilities. The results exhibited that graphene fills micro-pores produced in epoxy during solidification. The surface roughness significantly decreased to 0.25 µm with the addition of 5 wt% graphene in pure epoxy. In addition, the adhesiveness, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity of GREN coatings increased with the increase in graphene content. The GREN coatings containing 3 wt% and 5 wt% graphene revealed hydrophobic surface showing 94° and 102° water contact angle, respectively. In the electrochemical analysis and immersion test in 3.5 % NaCl solution for 600 h, the GREN coatings showed higher corrosion resistance without compromising their electrical conductivity compared to the pure epoxy. Based on the results, GREN can be a promising coating material for aerospace, mining, and electronic packaging applications. Apart from this, the results of this work will explore the new significance in industry, where multi-physical properties from a single nanocomposite coating are crucial.

Benign-by-design N-doped activated carbon from wasted aqueous assisted hydrochar of leftover rice for efficient H2S removal

The N-doped activated carbon is a potential material for H2S removal, reusing N-rich waste aqueous as a nitrogen source is promising to prepare in-expensive N-doped activated carbon. In this study, N-rich waste aqueous assisted hydrothermal carbonization and KOH activation were used to prepare activated carbon from starchy waste, concentrating on the effects of the nitrogen species (inorganic-N and organic-N) on the physicochemical characteristics and desulfurization performance of carbon material. Introducing inorganic-N (i.e., NH3·H2O) can increase the defect degree and enhance the formation of micropores and mesopores for N-doped activated carbon, leading to high storage ability for desulfurization products and well oxidation performance. The organic-N (i.e., alanine) was conducive to forming pyridinic-N and quinonyl for N-doped activated carbon, resulting in a strong ability of adsorption, dissolution, and oxidation for H2S. The organic-N determined the high breakthrough sulfur capacity for hydrothermal aqueous doping activated carbon (110.7 mg/g), which was ∼ 4.08 times than undoped activated carbon. The primary product of the desulfurization process was elemental sulfur (74.08%), with sulfuric acid and sulfonic acid as the subsequent by-products. After nitrogen doping, the contents of elemental sulfur and sulfuric acid increased by 5.65 and 1.73 times, respectively. The results revealed the correlations between nitrogen species in hydrothermal aqueous and the desulfurization performance of activated carbon, which could guide the selection of nitrogen-rich aqueous for synthesizing H2S removal N-doped activated carbon via the above novel method.

Favorable features of a calcium phosphate cement based on a metastable α ̅-tricalcium phosphate and reinforced by hydroxyapatite whiskers

The composition, impurities, ion substitutions, structure, peculiarities in crystallization and compressive strength were studied in the initial stage of setting (for 15 min) of a new cement based on a metastable -tricalcium phosphate and reinforced by various amounts (up to 15 wt%) of hydroxyapatite whiskers. The set cements were apatitic, highly nonstoichiometric with a Ca/P ratio below 1.5. The compressive strength increased more than twice (up to 8 MPa) at a whisker content of 4 wt% and then decreased again with increasing whisker content. The decline was associated with the growth of nanocrystals on the surface planes of whiskers and formation of micropores in the whisker vicinity caused by the consumption of the surrounding mother phase for the growth. It is expected that the micropores are favorable for the surrounding tissue to grow into enhancing the effectiveness of the set cement. The cement can primarily be used as accessible remedies for treatment of slightly-loaded bone defects.

Effect of pause time on microstructure and corrosion resistance in AZ31 magnesium Alloy's micro-arc oxidation coating

Micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coatings are among the most effective methods for protecting Mg alloys against corrosion. However, the corrosion protection effect of MAO coatings for Mg alloys is unsatisfactory due to the formation of micropores and microcracks in these coatings. Many researchers have improved the microstructure and corrosion resistance through changing the electrical parameters, such as current density, oxidation time, frequency, duty cycle and power modes. This study is one of the first to examine the role of pause time following anodic and cathodic polarization in a MAO process for magnesium alloys. Anodic pause time, as opposed to its cathodic counterpart, augments the corrosion resistance of these alloys, as demonstrated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results. Specifically, an MAO-coated specimen subjected solely to anodic pause time exhibits a total impedance six times greater than a specimen undergoing only cathodic pause time, irrespective of identical coating thickness. These findings emphasize the detrimental effect of cathodic pause time on corrosion resistance and demonstrate the beneficial role of anodic pause time.

Spark plasma welding joining of copper- AISI4140 steel: Microstructures and mechanical properties

The main aim of this research study was to characterize the microstructures and mechanical properties of Cu-AISI4140 steel solid-state joining created via the spark plasma welding (SPW) method with and without using molds. To explore the effect of mold on the joining of copper/steel, the SPW process was done at 650 °C for 30 min under the pressure of 20 MPa, with and without mold. Microstructural evaluations indicated the diffusion-affected zone (DAZ) in the SPW process increased with mold, as compared to the sample considered in the absence of the mold process. Also, the SPW process with the mold, in response to the lack of the formation of the oxide layer and dead zone, was affected by the process pressure, in comparison to that without the mold process, leading to the reduction of unjointed areas and the formation of micropores constrained at the joining interface; as such, the joining strength was increased from 42 MPa to 90 MPa. The elevation of the applied pressure from 20 MPa to 40 MPa at 650 °C resulted in enhancement of the joining strength up to 106 MPa, but it had no perceptible effect on raising the strength and diffusion affected zone (DAZ) of the joint.

Comprehensive insights into hydrothermal pretreatment of rice straw from physicochemical structure, organic matter transformation and hydrolysate reuse

Anaerobic digestion is an effective means of biomass utilization from solid waste, but the complex structure and low biodegradability of lignocellulose severely limit the anaerobic degradation conversion efficiency. In this study, hydrothermal pretreatment combined with chemicals was conducted to investigate physicochemical structure, chemical composition and changes, and enzymatic hydrolysis performance of rice straw under various combination hydrothermal pretreatment. The transformation mechanism of main components during alkaline-thermal pretreatment and the potential reuse of hydrolysate were further explored. Results showed that the total sugar concentration after hydrothermal pretreatment was 1.49 times higher than that after dissolution pretreatment. Hydrothermal-KOH pretreatment could destroy the waxy and siliceous layer on the straw surface. The roughness increased from 0.525 to 1.170 nm, and the average pore size 6.20 to 8.99 nm. Alkaline-thermal pretreatment could facilitate lignin dissolution and retained more cellulose and hemicellulose in the solid phase, and sugar concentration after pretreatment could reach 40.82 g/L. Porosity was affected by the dissolution of chemicals, and the pore structure also affected subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis. Dissolution of cellulose and hemicellulose resulted in a reduction in particle size and the formation of micropores, while re-aggregation and precipitation of lignin after dissolution led to the pore collapse and an increase in pore size. Furthermore, the hydrolysates contained nutrients, humic acids, plant hormones, and micronutrients, which had the potential to be developed into foliar fertilizers and reused. The results of this study will provide new insights and technical support for high-value utilization of straw.

Characterization and optimization of pore structure and water adsorption capacity in pinecone-derived activated carbon by steam activation

Activated carbon, due to its notable porosity and cost-effectiveness, emerges as a promising desiccant material. This research delves into the utilization of pinecones as a precursor for the production of activated carbon through steam activation. The resultant activated carbon samples presented a porous structure and exhibited a high water adsorption capacity, with the highest adsorption capacity reaching 0.35 kg/kg, placing it in competition with commercial silica gel. Various experimental parameters were systematically manipulated during the production process to optimize both the pore structure and water adsorption capacity of the activated carbon samples. Elevating the carbonization temperature from 700 °C to 900 °C proved effective in enhancing pore distribution and elevating water adsorption capacity. Furthermore, higher activation temperatures contributed to the formation of additional mesopores and macropores, possibly attributable to micropore enlargement through steam activation. Nevertheless, these elevated activation temperatures resulted in an undesired increment in mesopores concerning water adsorption. The extension of activation time led to increased micropore formation, albeit with concurrent disruption, culminating in heightened total pore volume and surface area. This extension shifted the water adsorption-desorption isotherm to higher relative pressure ranges, accompanied by a larger hysteresis loop. Moreover, an increased steam mass flow rate was found to enhance the pore structure and water adsorption capacity of the activated carbon. The activated carbons exhibited sigmoid-shaped isotherms, signifying their suitability for both open-cycle and closed-cycle adsorption systems.

Development of hyaluronic acid-silica composites via in situ precipitation for improved penetration efficiency in fast-dissolving microneedle systems

Fast-dissolving microneedles (DMNs) hold significant promise for transdermal drug delivery, offering improved patient compliance, biocompatibility, and functional adaptability for various therapeutic purposes. However, the mechanical strength of the biodegradable polymers used in DMNs often proves insufficient for effective penetration into human skin, especially under high humidity conditions. While many composite strategies have been developed to reinforce polymer-based DMNs, simple mixing of the reinforcements with polymers often results in ineffective penetration due to inhomogeneous dispersion of the reinforcements and the formation of undesired micropores. In response to this challenge, this study aimed to enhance the mechanical performance of hyaluronic acid (HA)-based microneedles (MNs), one of the most commonly used DMN systems. We introduced in situ precipitation of silica nanoparticles (Si) into the HA matrix in conjunction with conventional micromolding. The precipitated silica nanoparticles were uniformly distributed, forming an interconnected network within the HA matrix. Experimental results demonstrated that the mechanical properties of the HA–Si composite MNs with up to 20 vol% Si significantly improved, leading to higher penetration efficiency compared to pure HA MNs, while maintaining structural integrity without any critical defects. The composite MNs also showed reduced degradation rates and preserved their drug delivery capabilities and biocompatibility. Thus, the developed HA–Si composite MNs present a promising solution for efficient transdermal drug delivery and address the mechanical limitations inherent in DMN systems. Statement of significanceHA–Si composite dissolving microneedle (DMN) systems were successfully fabricated through in situ precipitation and conventional micromolding processes. The precipitated silica nanoparticles formed an interconnected network within the HA matrix, ranging in size from 25 to 230 nm. The optimal silica content for HA–Si composite MN systems should be up to 20 % by volume to maintain structural integrity and mechanical properties. HA–Si composite MNs with up to 20 % Si showed improved penetration efficiency and reduced degradation rates compared to pure HA MNs, thereby expanding the operational window. The HA–Si composite MNs retained good drug delivery capabilities and biocompatibility.

Hydrothermal carbonization of vegetable-tanned leather shavings (HTC-VTS) for environmental remediation: optimization of process conditions.

Herein, the response surface methodology (RSM) has been used to study simultaneously the effects of carbonization temperature, residence time and moisture content on the activated hydrochar preparation-based vegetable-tanned leather shavings (VTS) using hydrothermal carbonization method (HTC). Owing to the desirability chosen, three responses were analysed, namely: the hydrochar yield, iodine and methylene blue numbers. The analysis of experimental results revealed that the hydrochar yield was decreased with increase in carbonization temperature which led to micropores formation inside the hydrochar network. The optimal preparation conditions retained were: 83.10%, 390.44 mg g-1 and 259.63 mg g-1 for the hydrochar yield, iodine and methylene blue number respectively. The hydrochar micrograph showed the presence of external pores, whereas the FTIR analysis recorded the presence of acidic functional groups found on hydrochar surface. The findings revealed that the VTS is a good precursor for the hydrochar preparation useful in the removal of organic and inorganic pollutants in aqueous media.

Exploring synergistic effects in physical-chemical activation of Acorus calamus for water treatment solutions

The research proposed a novel method of obtaining sorption material from readily available Acorus calamus biomass through a combination of physical and chemical activation processes. The material with the highest specific surface area (1652 m2 g−1) was obtained by physical activation with CO2, followed by chemical activation with KOH. Reversing the order of activation methods resulted in a lower specific surface area (1014 m2 g−1) of the carbon sample. Chemical activation produced activated carbon with a surface area of 1066 m2 g−1-, while physical activation produced 390 m2 g−1. This confirms the synergistic effect of combining the two activation methods for biocarbon. It was observed that physical activation with CO2 generates a diverse range of pores, including meso- and macropores, while chemical activation induces the formation of micropores. In contrast, reversing the order of these processes leads to the degradation of the porous structure. The application of physical-chemical activation with synergistic effects represents a significant advancement in producing high-quality activated biocarbon for various applications, such as wastewater treatment and energy storage. The combination of the two activation methods resulted in a synergistic effect, leading to the production of carbon material of higher quality. Additionally, the diversified pore sizes will enable the sorption of various pollutants in the aquatic environment and air pollutants, where gas particles are much smaller.