Controlling Porosity to Improve Activated Carbon Applications

This chapter presents an overview of preparation and characterization of activated carbons (ACs), activated carbon fibres (ACFs) and activated carbon monoliths (ACMs) to be used in different applications. Examples of the performance of these materials in environmental, energy storage and space applications are presented, remarking the importance of carrying out a suitable porous texture characterization of the materials to understand and optimize their performance in each application. Development of narrow microporosity, which is assessed by CO₂ adsorption at 273 K, has been demonstrated to be necessary for these applications. This type of porosity has been obtained by chemical alkaline hydroxide activation of carbon precursors with careful control and thorough understanding of the variables affecting the carbon activation process.

Keywords: activated carbon; narrow microporosity; VOC adsorption; gas storage; adsorption compressor