ADSORPTION OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS ON CARBON FIBER DERIVED FROM ELECTROSPUN RF-GEL

Abstract

Toluene is a carcinogen and a pollutant. An adsorption using carbon fiber is a cheap and effective method in elimination of toluene. Resorcinol-formaldehyde gel (RF-gel) is a phenolic resin carbon precursor which provides carbon with outstanding properties. RF-gel fibers can be fabricated from twisted-wire needle-less electrospinning. Carbon fiber can be obtained from carbonization of RF-gel at 650, 750 and 850 ˚C. An increase in porosity of carbon fiber can be achieved from removal of disorganized carbon in pore structure via steam activation at 700, 800 and 900 ˚C for 30 minutes. Activated carbon fiber was used as an adsorbent in adsorption of toluene. An adsorption isotherm of carbon fiber shows the highest adsorption capacity up to 0.2 mg toluene/mg adsorbent. The adsorption capacity can be increased up to 0.3 mg toluene/mg adsorbent after the activation. And 1-Octanol adsorption was investigated for more detail in pore structure of carbon fiber.