Synthesis, characterization, application, and regeneration of mesoporous carbon-based adsorbent

Abstract

Mesoporous carbon adsorbent with highly developed porosity can be obtained from coconut shells as the raw material precursor, activated by both chemical and physical means. Increased zinc chloride concentration and using combinations of N2+steam and CO2 as activating agents offers one of the best methods thus far for preparing mesoporous adsorbent. Liquid phase applications of mesoporous carbon show higher adsorption saturation capacities and affinities for adsorbates compared to commercial carbon. These are especially more evident in application to bulkier adsorbates such as Violamine R and Phenol Red. Pore structures of both carbons were determined from its adsorption isotherms and physico-chemical behavior of adsorbates, which confirm de-Boer theoretical prediction.Mesoporous carbon demonstrated high thermal regeneration efficiencies in the mesopore region, from adsorbates that are both bulky and have strong affinity to carbon surface. Thus, these show the versatility of mesoporous adsorbent in many applications.