Superactivated carbons by CO2 activation of loquat stones

Abstract

This work presents CO2 activation approach towards controlled preparation of superactivated carbons (SAC) from a new lignocellulosic residue: loquat stones. This study demonstrates the potential use of loquat stones as a precursor in the preparation of SAC, reaching maximum BET surface area 3500 m2/g and total micropore volume 1.84 cm3/g. Studies on CO2 activation at different temperatures reveal two interesting results: 1) Loquat stones can be activated at high temperatures, up to 1100 °C, achieving similar volumes of porosity with short maintenance times (30 min). 2) The greater facility for eliminating mineral matter content of the loquat stones, as well as the scarce presence of K in its composition. The high volumes both of total and narrow microporosity that are obtained in the activation of carbonized loquat stones can be explained both by the traces of mineral matter that they contain and the carbonaceous microstructure of its carbonized state.