Preparation of porous carbon materials from biomass pyrolysis vapors for hydrogen storage

A novel method for preparing porous carbon materials from biomass pyrolysis vapors with calcium citrate template has been proposed. The effects of pyrolysis temperature, pyrolysis heating rate and carbon-containing precursor preparation temperature on the yield of biomass pyrolysis products, composition of light bio-oil and structure of porous carbons were investigated. The physicochemical characterization and hydrogen adsorption experiments were carried out for the prepared porous carbons. The carbonization mechanism of the carbon-containing precursor was studied and a five-stage reaction kinetic model was established by Gaussian peak separation method according to the DTG curves. Under the optimal conditions of pyrolysis temperature (823 K), heating rate (10 K/min) and carbon-containing precursor preparation temperature (473 K), the prepared porous carbon material has the largest specific surface area of 1703 m(2)/g, relatively high micropore volume of 0.51 cm(3)/g and microporosity of 24.17%. The hydrogen adsorption capacity of the carbon material can reach 170.12 cm(3)/g (1.53 wt%) at 77 K at atmospheric pressure. This paper provides a novel and environmental-friendly method for the preparation of porous carbon materials, and also presents a new way for the utilization of biomass pyrolysis vapors before condensation.

Automated summary

A novel method for preparing porous carbon materials from biomass pyrolysis vapors with a calcium citrate template was proposed. The effects of various factors on the yield of biomass pyrolysis products and the structure of porous carbons were investigated, leading to the establishment of optimal preparation conditions. This study provides a new and environmentally-friendly approach for the preparation of porous carbon materials, with promising hydrogen adsorption capacity.