One-Step Steam Pyrolysis Preparation and Characterization of Spherical Carbon Adsorbents Obtained from Ion-Exchange Resins

Abstract

Using the single-set steam pyrolysis of Dowex 50 WX-2 (a polystyrene–divinylbenzene resin), Spherical Carbon Adsorbents (SCAs) were prepared. The porous structure of the materials obtained was easily controlled by varying the heating rate, allowing carbons having a controlled ratio of micropores to mesopores to be obtained. These materials are promising for the adsorption of phenol from aqueous solutions. Moreover, due to the relatively small amount of irreversibility exhibited in such adsorption, they could find potential use in environmental protection.