Preparation and gas storage of high surface area microporous carbon derived from biomass source cornstalks

Microporous carbon (MC) with a high surface area has been prepared from cornstalks through carbonization and KOH activation. The surface area of the obtained product varies to some extent but the pore size of the material remains within the micropore region as the concentration of KOH activating agent is increased. The MC we prepared exhibits H2 adsorption capacities up to 4.4 wt% at 77 K and this material is also able to adsorb considerable amounts of CH4 and CO2. The high adsorption capacities for gases are attributed to the relatively narrow pore size and the high surface area of the porous carbon material.