Physical and chemical characteristics of polymer-based spherical activated carbon and its ability to adsorb organics

The characterization of a polymeric spherical activated carbon (PAC) was performed by comparing its adsorption, porosity, functional groups and some of the physical properties with a commercial spherical activated carbon (CAC). The PAC was about 4 times superior to the CAC with respect to the mechanical strength. The micropore volume of the PAC was about 5% smaller than that of the CAC. The maximum methylene blue adsorption values of the PAC and the CAC were 32 and 14 mg g⁻¹, respectively, which indicated low mesopore volumes as consistent with the values of BJH volume. This resulted in the low butane working capacity values for both activated carbons. Adsorption parameters for the Langmuir and the Freundlich isotherm models were determined for all organic substances tested. Both isotherms were suitable models to analyze the equilibrium data for the removal of all organics. However, the Langmuir model fitted better than the Freundlich model and the adsorption capacities of the PAC were somewhat higher than those of the CAC. The chemical properties of the activated carbons, the pH of solutions and the substituents on absorbates have an effect on adsorption of the organics tested.