Comparison of physicochemical and sorption properties of activated carbons prepared by physical and chemical activation of cherry stones

• The alternative method of utilization of cherry stones is proposed.
• The adsorbents obtained from cherry stones can be used as efficient and cheap adsorbents.
• Sorption capacity depends on the method of preparation.
• The properties of the adsorbents depend first of all on the type of activation.

Cherry stones were used as a precursor for the preparation of activated carbons by physical and chemical activation with CO2 and KOH, respectively. The effect of pyrolysis temperature (500 and 800 °C) and activation method on the acid–base character of the surface, textural parameters as well as sorption properties of adsorbents prepared toward gas and liquid impurities was tested. Depending on the method of preparation, the final products were microporous activated carbons of surface area ranging from 361 to 1173 m2/g and pore volume from 0.21 to 0.74 cm3/g, with very diverse acid–base character of the surface. The results obtained in our study proved that a proper choice of cherry stone pyrolysis and activation procedure can produce adsorbents with high capacity for nitrogen dioxide as well as different contaminants from the liquid phase.

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