Reversible toluene adsorption on monolithic carbon aerogels

Thirteen monolithic carbon aerogels with different pore textures were used as toluene adsorbents. Adsorption was carried out under both static and dynamic conditions. Under static conditions at 25 °C and at saturation, an adsorption capacity as high as 1.36 cm3 g−1 or 1180 mg g−1 was obtained. Toluene adsorption was a reversible process in all carbon aerogels, and the adsorbed toluene was completely recovered by heating them at 400 °C. Regenerated adsorbents showed larger surface area and micropore width than the original samples, indicating that no pore blockage was produced. Adsorption under dynamic conditions at 100 °C was also completely reversible after at least three consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles. The ability of these carbon aerogels to reversibly adsorb toluene could be useful for their application in thermal swing adsorption or pressure swing adsorption equipments.