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

Abstract : Carbon beads were prepared by using two types, a microporous and a macroporous, of cation exchange resin beads as precursors. The beads were subjected to potassium exchange prior to the 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 narrow pore size distribution, 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 water from medical pollutant. The method of preparation can be easily scaled up, and thus prepared carbon beads can be used for other adsorption applications where shaped bodies with high specific surface area and large pore volume are needed.