Commercial Kevlar derived activated carbons for CO₂ and C₂H₄ sorption

The carbonaceous precursor was obtained via pyrolysis of commercial aramid polymer (Kevlar). Additionally the precursor was activated at 1000°C in CO₂ atmosphere for different times. Obtained materials were characterised by BET; XPS; SEM and optical microscopy. The sorption capacities were determined by temperature swing adsorption performed in TGA apparatus for CO₂ and C₂H₄ gases. The obtained materials exhibit high difference in sorption of these gases i.e. 1.5 and 2.8 mmol/g @30°C respectively and high SSA ~1600 m²/g what can be applied in separation applications. The highest uptakes were 1.8 and 3.1 mmol/g @30°C respectively. It was found that the presence of oxygen and nitrogen functional groups enhances C₂H₄/CO₂ uptake ratio.