Preparation of activated carbons from cherry stones by activation with potassium hydroxide

• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2005.11.018
• Publication Date: 2005-12-06T07:20:52Z
• Authors: M. Olivares-Marín; C. Fernández-Gonz...; A. Macías-García; V. Gómez-Serrano
• Keywords: Potassium hydroxide; Porosimetry; Specific surface area; BET theory; Carbon fibers

Abstract Using cherry stones, the preparation of activated carbon has been undertaken in the present study by chemical activation with potassium hydroxide. A series of KOH-activated products was prepared by varying the carbonisation temperature in the 400–900 °C range. Such products were characterised texturally by gas adsorption (N2, −196 °C), mercury porosimetry, and helium and mercury density measurements. FT-IR spectroscopy was also applied. The carbons prepared as a rule are microporous and macroporous solids. The degree of development of surface area and porosity increases with increasing carbonisation temperature. For the carbon heated at 900 °C the specific surface area (BET) is 1624 m2 g−1, the micropore volume is 0.67 cm3 g−1, the mesopore volume is 0.28 cm3 g−1, and the macropore volume is 1.84 cm3 g−1.