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Synthesis of Highly Microporous Sulfur-Containing Activated Carbons by a Multistep Modification Process

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Abstract

The sulfur-containing activated carbons (SACs) were prepared by CO2 activation and sulfur impregnation. The sulfur-containing samples were then oxidized in air. The SACs were characterized by N2 adsorption, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The CO2 activation provided precursor carbons with high porosity, which in turn were sulfurized effectively. Oxidation in air at 200 °C enlarged pores and redistributed amorphous sulfur in the hierarchical pores. A typical SAC containing 17.89% sulfur exhibited a surface area of 1 464 m2/g. This work may open up a valid route to prepare highly microporous SACs with high sulfur loading for applications where the presence of sulfur is beneficial.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China

    Kai Fang  (方楷), Jie Sheng & Rendang Yang  (杨仁党)

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  1. Kai Fang  (方楷)
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  2. Jie Sheng
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  3. Rendang Yang  (杨仁党)
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Correspondence to Rendang Yang  (杨仁党).

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Funded by the National Key Technology R&D Program, China (No.2017YFB0307900)

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Fang, K., Sheng, J. & Yang, R. Synthesis of Highly Microporous Sulfur-Containing Activated Carbons by a Multistep Modification Process. J. Wuhan Univ. Technol.-Mat. Sci. Edit. 35, 856–862 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11595-020-2330-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11595-020-2330-5

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