A review on surface modification of activated carbon for carbon dioxide adsorption

The influence of surface modification of activated carbon with gaseous ammonia on adsorption properties toward carbon dioxide (CO2) was reviewed. It was apparent from the literature survey that the surface chemistry of activated carbon strongly affects the adsorption capacity. In general, CO2 adsorption capacity of activated carbon can be increased by the introduction of basic nitrogen functionalities into the carbon surface. Accordingly, in this review the impact of changes in surface chemistry and formation of specific surface groups on adsorption properties of activated carbon were studied. Two different methods, heat treatment and ammonia treatment (amination) for producing activated carbon with basic surface were compared. Amination was found to be suitable modification technique for obtaining efficient CO2 adsorbents. Finally, the common characterization methods were also mentioned.