Preparation and characterization of carbon adsorbents from furfural Original Research Article

Carbon adsorbents with different properties were obtained from furfural with variations in the activation reagents and conditions of treatment. They possess insignificant ash and sulfur contents. Pore volume, pore size distribution and the chemical character of the surface of the obtained carbon adsorbent depend on the activation reagent and temperature of treatment. Various oxygen-containing groups of acidic character (carboxyl groups, carboxyl groups in lactone-like binding, phenolic hydroxyl and carbonyl groups) and different chemical properties are present on the surface of carbon oxidized with air. The sample activated with water vapour contains predominantly oxygen-containing groups with basic character.