Influence of activation temperature on adsorption characteristics of activated carbon fiber composites

In this work, the effect of activation temperature on adsorption properties of activated carbon fiber-reinforced phenolic resin matrix composites has been investigated. The composites were manufactured via a molding process with unwoven carbon fabrics and phenolic resin. The green body mold was heated at 125 degreesC to cure the phenolic resin and they were carbonized in an inert environment at 1000 degreesC for 2 h. They were then activated by CO2 gas at 700, 800, 900 and 1000 degreesC for 2 h, denoted as ACFC-700, ACFC-800, ACFC-900 and ACFC-1000. The specific surface area and the pore structure were evaluated from nitrogen adsorption data at 77 K, and the acid-base values on the surface were determined by titration methods. As a result, the activation temperatures had a major influence on adsorption characteristics and surface properties of the composites. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.