An analysis of the carbonization process of coal-based activated carbon at different heating rates

The production of coal-based activated carbon mainly includes the process of carbonization and activation. However, few of the carbonization processes were studied, and the understanding of the carbonization process of coal-based activated carbon is not clear. Here the product distribution and its release characteristics of the carbonization process of coal-based activated carbon at different heating rates were investigated. The results showed that the gas products mainly included H2, CH4, CO, CO2, CnHm and H2S. The results of GC-MS analysis showed that the contents of phenols and dehydrated sugars in tar were the highest. At the heating rate of 15 °C/min, the content of phenols in tar was higher, but the yield was lower. After the carbonization, many pits and cracks were formed on the surface of the raw material. However, due to the deposition of tar and the carbon deposition generated by the condensation reaction of aromatic structure, the pores of semi-coke were blocked during the carbonization process. The research results can provide theoretical guidance and a practical basis for the development of the coal-based activated carbon production process, reactor design, pollutant removal, and high-value and high-quality utilization of coal resources.