PAN-based activated carbon fibres: Production, characterization and applications

Use of activated carbon fibres (ACF) as selective molecular adsorbents presents many advantages over granulated activated carbons (GAC) on account of their greater adsorption rate and larger adsorption capacity. These properties increase the efficiency of adsorption bed and lead to simplified plant designs used for environmental pollution control, In this paper, various methods of activation for the production of ACF from PAN-based precursors have been discussed. Different adsorption techniques used for measuring the porosity (micropore <0.6 nm, mesopore >1.6 nm and macropore >200 nm), surface area and surface functional groups have been critically analysed. Specific applications of ACF in air and water purification, medicine and catalysis have been highlighted.