Wood as a feedstock for activated carbons

Activated carbons are used in a wide range of applications, including the improvements of air and water quality, and are generally of interest for the resolution of environmental problems. Wood is a common feedstock for activated carbon production by reaction with phosphoric acid at temperatures in the range 350--450{degrees}C. The extended use of wood for the production of high added-value productions could improve the use of this resource, and present solutions to the problems of the disposal of wood wastes. Little information exists in the public sector on the mechanisms of the synthesis process, the factors that influence the development of porosity and adsorptive properties, and how these relate to the structure of the starting material. As part of an on-going research program, the conversion of white oak to activated carbons by reaction with phosphoric acid has been investigated. It has established for the first time, a link between the origins of porosity and reaction mechanisms. It is concluded that porosity development is a consequence of the retention and dilation of cellular material which creates an extensive surface accessible to adsorbent molecules. The results may be relevant to understanding equivalent processes with other biomass and coal precursors that contain biopolymersmore » or altered biopolymers.« less