Chemical activation of high sulfur petroleum cokes by alkali metal compounds

Abstract Chemical activation of high sulfur (∼7%) petroleum cokes with alkali metal compounds was investigated in the temperature range of 400–600°C. Gasification, desulfurization, and disintegration during the activation process were studied, and the pore characteristics of activated carbons and differences from coal were investigated. It was found that the surface area did not increase considerably until the sulfur removal rates exceeded 98%, and that the product activated carbons have micropore characteristics and hydrophilicity. Changes in major functional groups were analysed by FTIR spectroscopy. Hydrogen of about 460–1460 cm 3 g −1 coke evolved due to the carbonization using added alkali metal with the alkali to coke ratio in the range of 1–4. Changes in thermal and morphological properties were discussed.