Synthesis of Mesoporous Carbons and Their Applications on Adsorption Process

Dear Colleagues,

Conventional activated carbon materials are characterized by a porous and disorganized structure, which contributes to their large surface area. Additionally, when activated, their surface contains a large variety of oxygenated compounds which contributes to their widespread use as adsorbents. However, the prevalence of micropores in their structure can lead to an increase of the diffusion resistance, disfavoring the adsorption process. Mesoporous activated carbons are a new class of material which can overcome this drawback as they have single pore size distribution, large adjustable size, a high specific surface area, and hydrothermal stability. Their fine-tuned porosity, especially in the mesopore range, makes them suitable for high demanding applications as wastewater treatment or energy storage.

These materials can be synthesized through different procedures as (1) a replica method in which a carbon source is polymerized surrounding a template with a uniform size that is removed in such way that its size determines the pore diameter of the final carbonaceous material; (2) catalytic activation in which a catalyst is introduced into the carbon matrix to form the pores; (3) carbonization of a mixture of polymers where one of them constitutes the matrix and the other is the pore system precursor by means of its decomposition; and (4) carbonization of a sol–gel polymer to synthesize a carbon xerogels, among others.

These materials are used as adsorbent in liquid streams treatments for pollutant removal since adsorption is the most popular physicochemical treatment for the removal of dissolved organics or metals from waters.

This Special Issue will focus mainly on mesoporous carbon, their preparation methods, and their applications in adsorption. In this context, the investigation of the effect of the different stages on the preparation process, optimization of synthesis variables, post-synthesis modification/activation, and characterization of the prepared materials are within the scope of the issue. Likewise, the Special Issue will cover all approaches providing an improvement of adsorption performance, adsorption equilibrium, and kinetic studies and modeling in batch as well as in continuous operation. We also welcome contributions on any aspect of adsorbent reusability and adsorbate recovery, and how to enhance selectivity towards specific adsorbate.

Prof. Dr. Araceli Rodríguez
Prof. Dr. José María Gómez Martín
Prof. Dr. Eduardo Díez
Guest Editors

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• Ordered mesoporous carbon
• Wastewater treatment
• Pollutant removal
• Adsorption modeling
• OMC characterization
• Carbonization
• Surface functionalization