MOLECULAR-SIEVE CHARACTER OF CARBONS DERIVED FROM CELLULOSIC PRECURSORS

Cellulosic precursors were examined as suitable materials for the production of carbon molecular sieves to separate straight from branched-chain hydrocarbons. The amorphous and crystalline contents of the precursors, as determined by water adsorption, proved to be important in determining sieve character. For example, cellulose having amorphous and crystalline contents of similar to 50% yielded a 530 degrees C carbon having negligible capacity for iso-butane and a substantial capacity for n-butane and CO2.