Production of Carbon Adsorbent from Petroleum Coke by Carbonization with Potassium Hydroxide

Abstract

Samples of carbon adsorbent are prepared by carbonization of petroleum coke with potassium hydroxide at 600–1000°C; the KOH/coke ratio is (0.5–9.0)/1.0. After repeated washing by hydrochloric acid solution and distilled water, the product is a powder with low packing density (0.15–0.80 g/cm³); its specific surface is 3000 m²/g or more. With increase in the alkali content and the carbonization temperature, the yield declines, while the specific surface of the powder increases. The characteristics of the product are practically independent of the particle size of the initial coke. That permits the use of a broad coke fraction (0.2–2.0 mm).