Regeneration of activated carbon after contact with sulfuric acid solution

This study deal's with the feasible use of a commercial activated carbon in the uptake of H2SO4 from aqueous solution and with the regeneration of the spent product. Thermogravimetry TG and FT-IR spectroscopy are used in the analysis of samples. The activated carbon is a very effective material for the uptake of H2SO4. Using a 9.0 mol dm(-3) H2SO4 solution, the mass increa se is 37.8 wt%. From the sample obtained, the H2SO4 can be removed largely either by heating at 250 degrees C for 2 h in a N-2 atmosphere or by washin g thoroughly with distilled water for 24 h. The mass loss in both cases amo unts to 33.6wt%. The FT-IR spectroscopy results indicate that the surface c hemistry of the carbon is not affected, noticeably, at least, after its con tact with the H2SO4 solution. The behavior of H2SO4 toward carbon is compar ed with that of HNO3. (C) 2000 Society of Chemical Industry.