Carbon beads with a well-defined pore structure derived from ion-exchange resin beads

Abstract

Carbon beads were prepared by using two types of cation exchange resin beads, one microporous and the other macroporous, as precursors. The beads were subjected to potassium exchange prior to carbonization reaction at high temperature. The physicochemical properties of the obtained carbon beads were thoroughly studied to evaluate the impact of all key parameters: (i) the type of cation exchange resin; (ii) the concentration of K⁺ in the resin beads, and (iii) the carbonization temperature. The beads prepared from macroporous resin showed a narrow pore size distribution and higher specific surface area and retained a spherical shape. These beads showed impressive CO₂ adsorption capacity at ambient temperature and variable pressure and excellent performance in the decontamination of medical pollutants from water. The method of preparation can easily be scaled up, and the carbon beads thus prepared can be used for other adsorption applications where shaped bodies with a high specific surface area and large pore volume are needed.