The effect of ionic environment on the TG response of phenol loaded PET-based porous carbons

The effect of the ionic environment on the adsorption of phenol from aqueous solutions was investigated in a microporous carbon and in an oxidized carbon. It was found that not only the pH of the solution but also the method of its setting affects the adsorption capacity. Thermal desorption of phenol exhibits an even stronger dependence on the method of pH setting than adsorption. The TG response, the position and the corresponding TG steps are also influenced by the surface chemistry. Thermogravimetry is found to be outstandingly useful and informative technique for the studying sorption interactions.