NO2 removal on adsorbents obtained by pyrolysis and physical activation of corrugated cardboard

A method for obtaining carbonaceous adsorbents from used corrugated cardboard by physical activation with CO2 is described. The effect of pyrolysis temperature (500–800 °C) and time (30 and 60 min) as well as activation on the adsorbents textural parameters, acid–base character of surface and sorption properties toward nitrogen dioxide have been tested. The products were microporous carbons of rather low surface area ranging from 13 to 278 m2/g and pore volume from 0.02 to 0.19 cm3/g, showing a very strong basic character of the surface. The results have proved that a proper choice of cardboard pyrolysis and activation procedure can produce adsorbents with a high capacity for nitrogen dioxide, reaching to 27.8 and 106.1 mg NO2/g in dry and wet conditions, respectively.

► The alternative method of utilisation of used corrugated cardboard is proposed.
► The adsorbents obtained from corrugated cardboard can be used as efficient adsorbents of NO2.
► The best sorption capacities show the products of pyrolysis process.
► Sorption capacity depend on the temperature and time of pyrolysis.