Surface characteristics of KOH-treated commercial carbons applied for CO2 adsorption

The effect of an alkali treatment (potassium hydroxide) on the properties of a commercial activated carbon has been studied. The aim of the treatment was to improve the adsorption properties of the material toward carbon dioxide. In the result of the treatment, silica contained in the raw carbon was removed and the density of the material increased. The changes in the surface chemistry were observed as well. The treatment of the activated carbon with KOH resulted in a complete removal of carboxy and lactone groups and a decrease of the general content of the acidic groups (more significant than that of basic groups). Simultaneously, the surface concentration of hydroxyl groups increased. The alkali treatment of activated carbon resulted in an increase of carbon dioxide uptake of 14% (measured using a volumetric method at 0 degrees C). The adsorption of carbon dioxide on activated carbon has a mixed (physicochemical) character and that two types of adsorption sites are present at the surface. The adsorption energy varies roughly from 25 to 60kJ/mol.