Preparation of new gelatin-based activated carbon with carbon nanotubes as framework

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) prepared in the method of chemical vapor deposition were purified with sulfuric acid and nitric acid. Homogeneous suspensions were obtained with mixed gelatin and purified CNTs with deionized water as the solvent. Then anhydrous ethanol was poured into the suspension until the gelatin-CNTs complex elastomers were formed. Gelatin-based activated carbons with CNTs as framework were fabricated by means of carbonization and chemical activation with KOH from elastomers. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results have shown that gelatin coated CNTs are well dispersed in the matrix. The surface area and pore structure of samples were tested with adsorption analyzer. The results have shown that the surface area and pore volume of activated carbon increase with the weight content of CNTs to a maximum and then begin to decrease with the further increase of the weight content. Furthermore, the formation mechanism of activated carbons has also been discussed.