Activation process optimization and MnO2/Ag modification results of bamboo-based columnar-shaped activated carbon

Columnar-shaped bamboo activated carbon (CAC) has the advantages of wide availability, low cost and environmental friendliness. In this study, the steam physical activation method was used to prepare CAC with bamboo tar as the adhesive and bamboo charcoal powder as the raw material. The effects of activation temperature, activation time and water vapour intake on the properties of CAC and the optimal activation process parameters were investigated (activation temperature was 850 ℃, activation reaction time was 2.5 h and activation reaction water vapour intake was 10 mL/min). MnO 2 /Ag load modification was performed on the CAC to enhance its adsorption performance. When the MnO 2 load was 9 % and the Ag load was 3 %, the modified CAC had good pore structure (specific surface area of 914.037 m 2 /g, total pore volume of 0.450 cm 3 /g, micropore volume of 0.368 cm 3 /g) and excellent adsorption and degradation properties (the dynamic adsorption capacity of formaldehyde and toluene were 313 mg/g and 286 mg/g respectively, and the degradation rate of formaldehyde reached 94 %). This paper provides a theoretical basis for the production of high quality, high adsorption CAC capable of degrading formaldehyde and other harmful gases. • Preparation of bamboo columnar shaped activated carbon (CAC) using bamboo tar as adhesive. • Has high adsorption efficiency for harmful gases such as formaldehyde. • Load MnO ₂ and Ag on CAC to synergistically degrade formaldehyde.