Surface functionalization of mesoporous and microporous activated carbons by immobilization of diamine

The introduction of amino groups on HNO3-treated microporous (ACmicro-At) and mesoporous (ACmeso-At) activated carbon, which was followed by thionyl chloride (SOCl2) treatment, by immobilization of diamine compounds was investigated in terms of change in pore characteristics. The immobilization was improved by treatment with SOCl2. The BET surface area of ACmicro-At largely decreased by immobilization of ethylenediamine (EDA) and hexamethylenediamine (HMDA). Decreases in BET surface area and pore volume of ACmeso-At by immobilization of EDA and HMDA were scarcely observed. These results suggest that amino groups introduced to mesoporous activated carbon are effective as functional groups for additional reactions.