Regeneration of powdered activated carbon. Part I. Thermal decomposition kinetics

Kinetics of thermal regeneration of powdered activated carbon containing adsorbed sucrose was studied from 298 to 1033 K. Most of the data were obtained (by measuring mass vs. time of spent carbon samples) in a thermal gravimetric apparatus. The regeneration process was interpreted in terms of a two‐step process: (1) low‐temperature decomposition to an adsorbed intermediate and gaseous products; and (2) a higher temperature decomposition of adsorbed intermediate into adsorbed residual carbon and gaseous products. Surface area measurements indicated that most of the original carbon surface, but not all, could be recovered by thermal (with inert gas) regeneration up to 773 K. If permanent loss in surface is to be avoided during continued, cyclical use of the carbon, reaction with an oxidizing gas would be required after thermal regeneration.