Interdependence of different parameters characterizing the chemistry of an activated carbon surface

Abstract

The chemistry of the surface of activated carbon has been analysed. Five activated carbons obtained by a modification of raw carbon were investigated. The following techniques were employed: elemental analysis, acid—base reactions, thermal decomposition, IR spectroscopy, calorimetric heat determination, wetting with water and benzene, water vapour adsorption. The methods yield similar results. The correlations of pH, ψ, a₀, ΔE vs. total oxygen content and the number of oxygen functional groups were found.