Effect of Some Process Parameters on the Main Properties of Activated Carbon Produced from Peat in a Lab-Scale Process

Abstract

Activated carbons (ACs) are widely used in different industrial processes as adsorbents for pollutant removal or as catalytic material support. The parameters and methods of activation can vary, and they affect the final characteristics of ACs, e.g., specific surface area, pore size distribution, and surface functional groups. The results of this study show that microporosity and mesoporosity can be modified, variating these parameters. ACs from Northern Finland Region peat have been prepared through physical activation with steam. The process has been evaluated using the design of experiment approach. Different parameters have been considered as factors, including holding time, oven temperature, heating rate, steam flow, nitrogen flow, kiln rotation, and biomass initial mass. Based on these factors, several responses characterizing the porosity and the elemental analysis of ACs have been selected. All the data collected have been processed statistically using the Fractional Factorial Resolution IV design linear model in a screening configuration fitted with a partial least squares regression using MODDE 9.1 by Umetrics Software.