On the interactions of phenol, aniline and p-nitrophenol on activated carbon surfaces as detected by TPD

The interactions of phenol, aniline and p-nitrophenol, adsorbed from aqueous solutions, with the surface of two activated carbons (with and without oxygen surface groups) were followed by temperature programmed desorption, thermogravimetry and analysis by mass spectrometry. The results reveal that on bare surface the three molecules can be presented as physisorbed and chemisorbed species. When oxygen surface groups are introduced on the carbon surface, there is a change in the adsorption/desorption behaviour; in such a way that the phenol chemisorption is inhibited and that decomposition of aniline and nitrophenol are originated.