Study on the properties of activated carbon based on activation process and NaOH modification

Bamboo-activated carbon prepared from low-ash prickly bamboo charcoal could promote the diversified development of the bamboo charcoal industry and realize the high value-added and high-level application of prickly bamboo material. In this study, the water vapour activation method was first used to investigate the effects of activation temperature, activation time and water vapour flux on the performance of bamboo activated carbon. Its optimal activation process parameters (activation reaction temperature of 875 ℃, activation reaction time of 2 h, and activation reaction water vapour flux of 0.50 L·h -1 ) were then determined. The effect of NaOH impregnation modification of activated carbon on its adsorption performance was also investigated to determine its optimal modification process (NaOH solution concentration of 5 mol·L -1 , impregnation temperature of 55 ℃, impregnation time of 6 h). After modification, the adsorption performance of bamboo activated carbon was greatly improved. The following adsorption values were obtained: 1225.7 mg·g -1 for iodine, 365.6 mg·g -1 and 280.6 mg·g -1 , respectively, for the dynamic and static adsorption of formaldehyde, 273.47 mg·g -1 and 361.79 mg·g -1 respectively for the dynamic and static adsorption of toluene and 298.19 mg·g -1 for VOCs. This study provides a theoretical basis and technological support for the use of prickly bamboo-activated carbon in the field of gas-phase adsorption. • High-level application of bamboo materials was achieved. • The optimum activation parameters of column activated carbon were determined. • Bamboo column activated carbon with high adsorption capacity was prepared.