CO2 activation of char from Quercus agrifolia wood waste Original Research Article

Three series of activated carbons were prepared from Quercus agrifolia wood using a two-step process, carbonization followed by physical activation with CO2. Samples were characterized by N2 and CO2 adsorption. Three activation temperatures were used, 800, 840 and 880°C, covering the 18–85 wt.% yield range by variation of residence time. Activated carbons with a well-developed porous structure, predominantly microporous with high BET surface areas, were obtained. No direct relationship was found between exposed BET surface area (the surface where activation reaction takes place), evolution and gasification rate variation. Porosity development appears to be strongly influenced by the kinetic reaction stage, the reactant gas concentration gradient being an ultimate factor that induces porosity evolution.