Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of activated spherical carbon materials for CO2 capture

Activated carbon (AC) beads with desirable spherical forms were prepared from phenolic resins using a novel hydrothermal process coupled with a range of post-preparation treatments, and different strategies were employed to dope N-containing functionalities into the AC beads. Texture properties of the samples were characterized by N2 physisorption and scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the CO2 adsorption behavior was evaluated at both ambient and elevated pressures by using either thermal gravimetric or high pressure volumetric analysis method. By relating the CO2 uptakes of different samples with their texture properties and surface affinity, a structure–performance relationship was established. It was found that the AC beads are a suitable option for realistic CO2 capture, especially in pre-combustion capture where CO2 partial pressure is relatively higher.