A hierarchical micro-nano porous carbon material (MNC) was prepared using expanded graphite (EG), sucrose, and phosphoric acid as raw materials, followed by sucrose-phosphoric acid solution impregnation, solidification, carbonization and activation. Nitrogen adsorption and mercury porosimetry show that mixed nanopores and micropores coexist in MNC with a high specific surface area of 1978 m2·g-1 and a total pore volume of 0.99 cm3·g-1. In addition, the MNC is found to consist of EG and activated carbon with the latter deposited on the interior and the exterior surfaces of the EG pores. The thickness of the activated carbon layer is calculated to be about one hundred nanometers and is further confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission election microscope (TEM). A maximum static phenol adsorption of 241.2 mg·g-1 was obtained by using MNC, slightly higher than that of 220.4 mg·g-1 by using commercial activated carbon (CAC). The phenol adsorption kinetics were investigated and the data fitted well to a pseudo-second-order model. Also, an intra-particle diffusion mechanism was proposed. Furthermore, it is found that the dynamic adsorption capacity of MNC is nearly three times that of CAC. The results suggest that the MNC is a more efficient adsorbent than CAC for the removal of phenol from aqueous solution.
Liu ChengbaoChen ZhigangNi ChaoyingChen FengGu ChengCao YuWu ZhengyingLi Ping
Hierarchically hollow nanostructures have been the focus of numerous studies due to their prominent physicochemical properties that differ significantly from bulk materials and their potential for extensive applications. We present a novel diatom-based scaffold for the synthesis of hierarchically biomorphic CeO2 with special porous structure via incorporating Ce ions into the frustule.Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements were adopted to characterize the products. Owing to its unique hierarchical structure and periodic meso-macro scale features, the obtained CeO2 exhibits high catalytic activity in CO oxidation. This facile strategy may design a new way towards replicating desired biological structures for metal oxide catalyst in other potential applications.
Junchao QianZhigang ChenChengbao LiuFang WangYuzhu ZhangMengmeng Wang
