The effects of carbonization temperature on pore development in palm-shell-based activated carbon

A series of experiments have been conducted to study the effects of carbonization temperature on pore development in palm shell activated carbon. Activation of char prepared at 500, 800 and 900 degrees C was performed at 820 degrees C in a fluidized bed reactor. Activated carbon prepared from high temperature char had a significant amount of micropore volume. For all carbonization temperatures investigated, both micropore and macropore volumes showed maximum values at intermediate carbon burn-off. Only a small amount of mesopore was developed in the initial stage of activation. However, as the level of burn-off increased, a rapid development in mesopore was observed. No clear pattern was demonstrated on the effects of carbonization temperature on the development of mesopore and macropore volumes. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.