Tailoring pore structure of porous carbon fiber using cellulose crystallite structure modification and its effect on methylene chloride adsorption-desorption behaviors

Porous carbon fiber (PCF) is an effective and efficient method for removing volatile organic compound (VOC) from industrial processes. However, to employ PCF in industrial processes that generate numerous amounts of VOCs, we must address the issues regarding the high cost and sustainability of PCF. This study addresses the high cost of PCF by synthesizing it from cellulose (rayon) fibers, which are considered waste after use in various fields. However, the issue of recovering VOC and regenerating PCF after VOC removal remains unresolved. This is because PCF synthesized from rayon fiber primarily has a pore structure with developed micropores, which makes desorption difficult. It is well known that the desorption performance of porous materials is affected by mesopore. This study has addressed the recovery and regeneration issue by synthesizing PCF with excellent mesopores through steam activation, achieved by modifying the cellulose crystalline structure via alkaline treatment. it can be confirmed that the desorption performance of PCF with developed mesopores has been improved by up to three times compared to PCF without developed mesopores. This significant improvement positively impacts the recovery of VOCs and the retention of the adsorption-desorption performance of PCF. Therefore, the PCF synthesized in this study successfully addresses existing challenges related to regeneration and recovery. • NaOH treatment dissolves amorphous and modifies cellulose crystalline structure. • NaOH affects crystallite structure post-carbonization, altering pore structures. • NaOH-treated porous carbon fibers have superior mesopore, enhancing desorption.