Activated Carbon Preparation- a Review on Low Cost Precursors and Activation Methods

Abstract

This paper is a review of low cost precursors as a potential feedstock for the preparation of the activated carbon. Chemical, Physical, Microwave activation are the different methods to activate the precursors. The main process parameters (such as acid concentration, impregnation ratio and temperature of pyrolysis ) which can affect the characteristics of the obtained activated carbon (expressed in terms of iodine and methylene blue numbers and specific surface area) are discussed. The optimal activated carbon should be fully characterized considering its adsorption properties as well as its chemical structure and morphology.