Influence of Starting Char Properties on Porosity Development During CO2 Activation

Two substantially different carbonaceous precursors (Quercus Agrifolia wood and walnut shells) were processed following an identical carbonization-activation procedure, using CO2 as activating agent. Three activation temperatures were used and the evolution of micro and mesoporosity of produced samples as a function of activation yield is depicted. Differences, apparently given by intrinsic characteristics of precursors, were found in both the evolution and final status of porosity of obtained samples. It was concluded that initial properties of starting material strongly influence both course and results of the activation process under similar experimental condition.