On surface energy and acid-base properties of highly porous parent and surface treated activated carbons using inverse gas chromatography

This study provides the surface characteristics (surface energy and the acid-base properties) of surface treated activated carbons (ACs) using inverse gas chromatography. The surface energy and the acid-base characteristic of studied adsorbents are determined by the retention time using several non-polar and polar probes at 140 degrees C. It is observed that the dispersive surface energy dominates for all AC samples. The treatment of Maxsorb III with H-2 exhibits the highest basicity due to lower oxygen content on the surface. The presented results express further insights and useful information in functionalizing the activated carbon for various industrial applications. (C) 2018 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.