Mechanism of chemical activation with K2CO3 in preparation of activated carbon from bean-curd refuse

We attempt to prepare activated carbons from bean-curd refuse by chemical a ctivation with K2CO3. Activated carbon with high specific surface area of 2 ,656 m(2)/g can be prepared at a carbonization temperature of 800 degrees C . During an impregnation, the K2CO3 added reacts with bean-curd refuse and ch anges to KO2 and K2C2O4 Then, the bean-curd refuse is modified and the wate r-soluble organic components in the bean-curd refuse increase. At a carboni zation temperature below 500 degrees C, the carbonization behavior of bean- curd refuse is changed by the modification, and then the specific surface a rea of the carbonized bean-curd refuse becomes larger. At temperatures abov e 700 degrees C, K2CO3 is reduced to metal potassium,The carbon is consumed by reduction of K2CO3.