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6137351 
Book/Book Chapter 
CHAPTER 6 - Activation Processes (Chemical) 
Marsh, H; Rodríguez-Reinoso, F 
2006 
Elsevier Science Ltd 
Oxford 
Activated Carbon 
322-365 
Publisher Summary This chapter describes methods of chemical activation of carbons involving the co-carbonization of a parent feedstock with a chemical. Three chemicals that are widely used include zinc chloride, phosphoric acid and potassium hydroxide/carbonate. An overview of the comparative behaviors of these three agents, using very similar parent feedstocks is presented and concluded with the suitability of such activated carbons for methane storage. An in-depth analysis of the chemistry of activation by phosphoric acid (H3PO4) is presented. Moreover, an in-depth analysis of the chemistry of activation by potassium salts is also presented. The chapter also discusses intercalation chemistry and reviews additional relevant information. Activated carbons, with microporosity and controlled pore-size distributions, are prepared from: (i) synthetic carbon precursors mainly of polymeric type (polyimide, polyvinyl chloride, and resins) and (ii) the more conventional precursors, such as lignocellulosic materials. Chemical activation of lignocellulosic materials is mainly directed toward the preparation of powdered activated carbons. Porosity and pore-size distributions are determined by gas adsorption and immersion calorimetry, with the measurement of helium and bulk densities. 
Rodríguez-Reinoso, Francisco