| Abstract |
In this communication an overview of the most recent studies developed in the Adsorption and Adsorbent Materials Group related with the use of acid mediated carbonization (AMC) to prepare carbon materials is presented. The chars obtained by this methodology - acid-chars - have been explored for different purposes; so far the application studied in more detail is their use as precursors of activated carbons with tuned textural properties. In this particular application both literature studies from other researchers and our contributions are reviewed. It must be highlighted that we proved that AMC is able to transform a low density biomass, as is the case of sisal fibers, in high density acid-chars and activated carbons with tailored features. The use of as-synthesized acid-chars as supports for catalysts immobilization and, even though still in a preliminary stage, also as catalysts or adsorbents were also assessed in our group with very promising results. The overall data herein discussed points out the versatility of acid-chars as a precursor of activated carbons with controlled features but also as a self-standing carbon material for adsorption, catalysis and catalysts support. |
