Preparation of Coal-Derived Activated Carbon and Its Application for Adsorption of Metals from Aqueous Solutions

This chapter compiles the studies on the preparation of coal-derived activated carbon (AC) and its application for adsorption of metal ions in aqueous solutions. The general methods for preparation of coal-derived activated carbon can be divided into two categories: physical and chemical methods. The effects of pretreatment of the coals, coal and activating agent types and thermal treatment parameters (temperature, heating rate, reagent dosage, and holding time) on the properties of the produced activated carbon were reviewed. The kinetic aspects while compiling the mathematical models of the carbonization and activation of coals were also presented. It is evident that coal is an excellent activated carbon precursor for the advantages of high carbon content, inexpensive, large availability in nature, and readily primary pores; the obtained activated carbon is successful to be applied for adsorption of metal ions in such aqueous solutions. Perspectives were also discussed with pertinent issues in the preparation of coal-derived activated carbon as the guideline for future works. Using coals as the activated carbon precursor could be part of contributors towards clean coal technology.