Influence of Potassium-Based Activation on Adsorptive Properties of Carbon Spheres Modified with Iron(III) Citrate

Composites synthesized from iron(III) citrate and carbon spheres, and activated with potassium compounds were prepared and then characterized using XRD, SEM, and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption methods. The adsorption properties of the composites toward carbon dioxide were assessed using CO2 uptake measurement, as well as by measuring their selectivity toward carbon dioxide, given their further application as photocatalysts for the reduction of this gas. The effect of changing preparation conditions on the structural and adsorption properties of the material was assessed. The potential strength of such material is a synergistic effect between the high adsorption capacity related to the microporosity of carbon spheres combined with the catalytic properties of iron particles.

Automated summary

Composites of iron(III) citrate and carbon spheres activated with potassium compounds were synthesized and characterized using XRD, SEM, and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption methods. The adsorption properties of the composites towards carbon dioxide were evaluated for potential application as photocatalysts for CO2 reduction. The impact of preparation conditions on the structural and adsorption properties of the material was investigated. The material shows great potential due to the synergistic effect between the high adsorption capacity of carbon spheres and the catalytic properties of iron particles.