Surface-Treated Activated Carbon for Removal of Phenol from Water

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Abstract
Adsorption of phenol from dilute solutions was studied on porous and nonporous C and on ion-exchange resins. At a given equilibrium concentration, uptake of phenol on nonporous C/unit area was determined by the nature of the C surface. Phenol uptake on porous activated C decreased sharply on surface oxidation. Progressive elimination of chemisorbed O2 from the oxidized C on heat treatment at increasing temperatures in N2 increased phenol adsorption capacity. The capacity was further enhanced if following heat treatment in N2 at 950.degree. C the samples were reacted with H2 at 300.degree. C. The mechanism of phenol adsorption on C was discussed. Activated C were more effective adsorbents for phenol than commercial ion-exchange resins.