Formation of the porous structure of carbon materials during carbonization of microcrystalline cellulose modified by phosphoric acid and potassium hydroxide

Formation of the porous structure of carbon material obtained by carbonization of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) in the presence of modifying additives KOH and H3PO4 has been investigated. The optimal conditions for the synthesis of porous carbon materials (PCMs) from chemically activated MCC have been revealed. The highest specific surface area (about 1500 m2/g) is observed for water-washed carbon products obtained by carbonization at 800°C of MCC containing 50 wt % KOH and by carbonization at 400°C of MCC with the addition of 50 wt % H3PO4.