2-Steps KOH activation of rice straw: An efficient method for preparing high-performance activated carbons

Effects of both pre-treatment and number of steps in KOH activation of raw rice straw (RS) on textural and adsorption properties of RS-derived activated carbons (ACs) were investigated. Three pre-treatment protocols were tested: mechanical, chemical by NaOH pulping, and a combination of both. Activation of RS-based materials was investigated, at a constant temperature of 800 °C, according to two ways: a 1-step simultaneous carbonisation–activation with KOH, and a 2-steps process: carbonisation followed by activation by KOH. s KOH activation was more efficient in producing activated carbons with high surface areas and high methylene blue adsorption than 1-step KOH activation. Additionally, 2-steps KOH activation increased the yield of activated carbons having moderate ash content (8–14%). Surface areas as high as 1917 m2/g were obtained when the combined mechanical–chemical pre-treatment method and a 2-steps activation process were carried out.