Efficiency comparison of activated carbons prepared in inert and in self-generated atmospheres

The present study intends to explore the role of the carbonization atmosphere nature on the textural, surface, and structural properties of a chemically activated carbon and hence on its adsorption efficiency in the gas phase. To attain this goal two activated carbons are prepared following the same activation procedure but using two different atmospheres. Thus, one of them is obtained in the presence of an inert gas while the other in a self-generated atmosphere. The pyrolysis is followed by thermogravimetric analysis and the so-obtained materials are characterized by means of nitrogen and water sorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Boehm titration, and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Then, their performance toward cyclohexane adsorption is evaluated. The slight differences observed in the final properties of both materials are discussed herein and linked to the varied phenomena occurring during the activation in both conditions. However, and for the intended application, the results demonstrate that the presence of an inert atmosphere is not always required in order to obtain an efficient carbon, thus leading to a non-negligible saving in operational costs.