EFFECT OF OPERATION VARIABLES IN THE OBTENTION OF TAILORED ACTIVE CARBONS FROM COALS

The effect of process variables such as coal preoxidation, pyrolysis c onditions and activating agent -carbon dioxide and steam- on the prepa ration of active carbons was studied. As starting materials a high bit uminous coal and a semianthracite were used. Active carbons with a wid e range of textural properties were obtained. Materials with specific surface areas varying from 120 to 1300 m(2) g(-1) can be produced with the correct choice of experimental conditions. From the results, gene ral guidelines may be established for the design of activated carbons with a particular porous network.