Development of mesoporosity during phosphoric acid activation of wood in steam atmosphere.

Oak and birch were used as precursors to produce the activated carbons (ACs) with well-developed mesoporosity by phosphoric acid-promoted activation in a steam atmosphere. The effect of experimental variables such as the amount of activating agent, the soaking time and the type of wood on the development of porous structure upon heating at 480 degrees C was investigated. The materials were characterized by N2 adsorption at 77K, mercury porosimetry and elemental analysis.