Optimized preparation of multi-matrix activated carbon for CO2 capture by response surface methodology: The advantages of co-pyrolysis of biomass and plastics.

In this paper, low-cost activated carbons (ACs) using apple tree pruning waste and waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles as precursors were prepared by a two-step chemical activation, and the synergistic mechanism between the two precursors during carbonization was investigated. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to analyze the impact of PET ratio and carbonization conditions (carbonization temperature, heating rate) on the pore structure and CO 2 adsorption performance of the activated carbon. The results demonstrate that the PET ratio and carbonization conditions significantly influence the pore structure and CO 2 adsorption performance of the activated carbon. By optimizing the preparation conditions, the RSM-predicted CO 2 uptake at 1 bar and 25 °C closely matches the experimental value, both reaching 4.49 mmol/g. Additionally, at 1 bar and 0 °C, the CO 2 uptake of the activated carbon was found to be 7.03 mmol/g. The activated carbon AC 0.2-8-515 exhibits exceptional characteristics, including a highly developed specific surface area of 1808 m 2 /g and a significant microporous volume of 0.67 cm 3 /g. It also demonstrates good selectivity for CO 2 /N 2 (13.44) and exhibits ease of regeneration with excellent cycling stability even after multiple cycles. The isotherm data obtained from experimental measurements are fitted using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Toth isotherm equations. Among these models, the Toth isotherm equation provides the best fit to the data. Furthermore, the co-pyrolysis process contributes to an increased yield of PET pyrolysis fixed carbon. This study presents a novel solution to address the issues of carbon dioxide capture and white pollution, offering promising prospects for future development. [Display omitted] • Mixtures of apple tree pruning waste and PET have been used to synthesize AC. • The synergistic effect in the co-pyrolysis of apple tree pruning waste and PET has been explained. • The optimum preparation conditions for AC were optimized using the response surface method. • AC 0.2-8-515 exhibits high CO 2 adsorption capacity and microporous structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of the Energy Institute (Elsevier Science) is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)