Optimization process of porous carbon derived from coconut shell: A novel preparation condition and investigation on pore surface roughness

The objective of this work was to understand the textural properties of porous carbon prepared under air conditions and simultaneously construct pore surface roughness/textural properties relationships. A controlled variable method was used for performing single-factor tests. Subsequently, the pore surface roughness of coconut shell-derived porous carbons (CSPCs) was calculated and correlated with their textural properties. Within a range, CSPC obtained under air conditions had a higher specific surface area as compared to CSPC prepared under N-2, CO2, and vacuum conditions. With increasing the final temperature or holding time, the pore structure of CSPC first underwent a full development stage and then underwent an over-developed stage. Meanwhile, the optimized final temperature and holding time, i.e., 850 degrees C and 90 min, were determined. Hysteresis loops on N-2 adsorption/desorption isotherms affect pore surface roughness. The correlation coefficient (R-2) value (0.92) between mesopore volume (V-meso) and pore surface roughness was the highest, followed by the R-2 value (0.91) between mesopore surface area and pore surface roughness, and the R-2 value (0.85) between macropore volume (V-macro) and pore surface roughness. Therefore, the pore surface roughness depends not only on the V-meso but also on the mesopore surface area, V-macro, and total pore volume (V-t).

Automated summary

The objective of this study was to investigate the textural properties of porous carbon prepared under air conditions and establish the relationship between pore surface roughness and textural properties. The results showed that porous carbon obtained under air conditions exhibited a higher specific surface area compared to other conditions. The study also found that the pore structure of porous carbon underwent different stages with increasing final temperature or holding time. Furthermore, the correlation coefficients between pore surface roughness and mesopore volume, mesopore surface area, and macropore volume were determined.