Physical and chemical properties of activated carbon synthesized from plant wastes and shungite for CO2 capture

Highly micropomus inexpensive activated carbons have been prepared using a physical activated method based on biomass (corn cobs, grape seeds, birch, and pine cones) and shungite minerals. These materials were investigated as sorbents for CO2 adsorption. Textural characterization of these activated carbons were measured by nitrogen adsorption-desorption at 77 K, scanning electron microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, Raman spectrometry, elemental analysis by XRF. The specific surface area values were on the range 424-738 m(2).g(-1) and total pore volume from 0.27 cm(3).g(-1) to 0.50 cm(3).g(-1). The highest CO2 capture capacity received Birch activated carbon 4.50 mmol.g(-1) and 4.06 mmol.g(-l) at 273 K and 298 K, respectively. The CO2 adsorption seems to depend on the presence of narrow micropores (<1 nm) rather than on the pore volume or surface area of activated carbons. Therefore, these microporous carbons exhibit a high CO2 capture rate. Furthermore, birch showed good selectivity up to 91.3 for CO2-N-2 separation and can be easily regenerated after 1, 5, 10, 15 cycles.

Automated summary

Highly microporous inexpensive activated carbons were prepared using a physical activated method based on biomass and shungite minerals, and investigated for CO2 adsorption. Birch activated carbon showed the highest CO2 capture capacity and good selectivity for CO2-N2 separation, with easy regeneration after multiple cycles.