Activation of petroleum coke to obtain catalyst substrates

A method of producing porous carbon material is outlined. The resulting material—petroleum coke activated by water vapor—may be used as a substrate for catalysts. The corresponding laboratory system is described, along with the activation conditions. The experimental results are presented. The petroleum coke is activated on the laboratory apparatus for 1–6 h at 800, 850, and 900°C. The ability of the coke samples to absorb iodine is determined. On the basis of the results, the coke consumption is plotted as a function of the activation time, and the ability of the coke to absorb iodine is plotted as a function of the coke consumption. Finally, the total surface of the coke is plotted as a function of the coke consumption. These graphs may be used to select the optimal activation conditions for the petroleum coke.