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°C to cure the phenolic resin and they were carbonized in an inert environment at 1000°C for 2 h. They were then activated by CO₂ gas at 700, 800, 900 and 1000°C 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.