Composites of expanded natural graphite and in situ prepared activated carbons Original Research Article

Activated carbons present very low thermal conductivity (0.2 W m−1 K−1) responsible for severe thermal limitations inducing low overall adsorption and desorption kinetics as well as secondary reaction products or hazards in industrial applications. The in situ activation of various precursors within a consolidated expanded natural graphite matrix led to composites of high thermal conductivities (from 1 to 32 W m−1 K−1) and high effective adsorbent level (80 wt.%). Preparation protocols adapted to the different precursors and activation agents are proposed and a wide range of microporous characteristics (from molecular sieve to super-adsorbent) was obtained.