Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2025
09:46
Reducing Willow Wood Fuel Emission by Low Temperature Microwave Assisted Hydrothermal Carbonization
Published on: May 19, 2019
8.1K
Solvent Effects in Biomass-Derived Activated Carbons: New Insights for Their Doping/Functionalization toward
Alessia Marino1,2, Carlo Poselle Bonaventura3,4, Sara Sciarretta1
1Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, L'Aquila I-67100, Italy.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|May 14, 2025
Summary
Mild solvent treatments can modify biomass-derived activated carbons (ACs) for hydrogen storage. Toluene and isopropyl alcohol enhanced microporosity and adsorption efficiency, offering a greener alternative to harsh thermal methods.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Biomass-derived activated carbons (ACs) are crucial for hydrogen (H2) storage.
- Current modification methods often require harsh conditions, compromising carbon structure and performance.
- Developing milder modification techniques is essential for efficient and sustainable H2 storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of different solvents on the structural and textural properties of ACs under mild conditions.
- To evaluate the potential of solvent treatments for enhancing ACs for H2 storage applications.
- To explore greener alternatives to high-energy-consuming thermal treatments for AC modification.
Main Methods:
- ACs were treated with solvents like toluene (TOL), tetrahydrofuran (THF), and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) at 353 K for varying durations.
- Structural and textural analyses were performed to assess changes in microporosity, surface area (SBET), and chemical functionalization.
- Hydrogen uptake and adsorption efficiency were measured to evaluate storage performance.
Main Results:
- Solvent treatments significantly impacted AC microporosity, SBET, and chemical functionalization.
- Toluene and IPA treatments led to framework reorganization, enhancing microporosity and storage capacity over time.
- THF treatment decreased textural properties and thermal stability, while oxygen presence induced functional groups and structural instability.
- Selected TOL and IPA treatments showed improved adsorption efficiency (H2 uptake/SBET) despite reduced overall H2 uptake.
Conclusions:
- Solvent choice and treatment duration are critical factors in modifying ACs for H2 storage.
- Mild solvent treatments, particularly with TOL and IPA, offer a promising, energy-efficient approach for AC functionalization.
- This study demonstrates a viable pathway for sustainable modification of biomass-derived ACs, enhancing their potential for H2 storage applications.
