Carbon adsorption composite materials: Can they shine in the fields of environmental protection and energy?

Carbon adsorption composites, with their unique carbon-based structure and excellent adsorption performance, show great application potential in many fields such as environmental protection, energy storage, and chemical catalysis.

Carbon adsorption composites are new materials composed of carbon-based materials and other functional materials. They have the advantages of large specific surface area, strong adsorption capacity, and good chemical stability. There are various preparation processes, including physical method, chemical method, physical and chemical method, etc. This article will focus on several mainstream preparation processes.

Liquid phase impregnation-carbonization method is a commonly used method for preparing carbon adsorption composites. Carbon fibers or other carbon-based materials are immersed in a solution containing a carbon precursor to fully impregnate them. Then, the impregnated materials are pre-oxidized under an inert atmosphere to convert the carbon precursor into mesophase carbon or other carbonaceous substances. Through the high-temperature carbonization process, non-carbon elements are gradually removed, so that the carbon fibers are closely combined with the matrix to form a continuous carbon network. The carbon adsorption composites prepared by this method have the characteristics of uniform structure and good adsorption performance.

Pyrolysis chemical vapor deposition method is a method for preparing carbon adsorption composites by gas reaction. Carbon fiber or other carbon-based materials are placed in a reaction chamber and carbon-containing gas (such as methane, propylene, etc.) is introduced. Under high temperature conditions, the gas decomposes and deposits into carbon on the fiber surface to form a continuous carbon matrix. The carbon adsorption composite material prepared by this method has the characteristics of rich pore structure and large adsorption capacity.

The hot pressing sintering method is suitable for the preparation of chopped carbon fiber/graphite powder composite materials. The carbon fiber and graphite powder are mixed evenly and then placed in a mold. Under high temperature and high pressure, the fiber and powder are densified and connected by sintering. The carbon adsorption composite material prepared by this method has the characteristics of high density and good mechanical properties.

The carbon source melt infiltration method utilizes the characteristics of carbon source (such as polyacrylonitrile, asphalt, etc.) melting and infiltrating into the carbon fiber preform at high temperature. After a series of heat treatments, a carbon adsorption composite material is obtained. The carbon adsorption composite material prepared by this method has the characteristics of stable structure and excellent adsorption performance.

In the process of preparing carbon adsorption composite materials, key technologies include the selection of carbon precursors, optimization of impregnation process, control of carbonization temperature, etc. The selection of suitable carbon precursors is crucial for the preparation of carbon adsorption composite materials with excellent performance. Optimization of the impregnation process can ensure the uniform distribution of carbon precursors in carbon-based materials. Control of carbonization temperature directly affects the structure and properties of carbon adsorption composite materials.

There are various preparation processes for carbon adsorption composite materials, and each method has its unique advantages and scope of application. By selecting appropriate preparation processes and key technical parameters, carbon adsorption composite materials with excellent performance can be prepared. With the advancement of science and technology and the improvement of environmental awareness, carbon adsorption composite materials will show their huge application potential in more fields.