Preparation of activated carbon cloths from viscous rayon Part III. Effectof carbonization on CO2 activation

Viscous rayon cloth was carbonized under different experimental conditions The final temperature was 850 degrees C, using heating rates of 0.5, 1, 3 a nd 5 degrees C min(-1); an additional char was obtained at 5 degrees C min( -1) but introducing an isothermal stage at 230 degrees C a temperature near the pyrolytic decomposition of the precursor. A sixth char was prepared by treating the precursor in air at 230 degrees C for 2.7 h before carbonizat ion at 5 degrees C min(-1) up to 850 degrees C. All chars were activated un der a flow of carbon dioxide at 825 degrees C. The effect of carbonization conditions on the porosity, mechanical strength and oxygen surface groups o f resultant activated carbon cloth is analyzed, in order to optimize the pr operties of the final product. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights re served.