Effect of Different Gaseous Media in the Process of Microwave Pyrolysis Carbonization of Cellulose on the Properties of the Obtained Activated Carbon

Abstract

Comparative studies of the characteristics of high-molecular organic matter (cotton lint), subjected to pyrolytic carbonization under conditions of high-intensity microwave radiation in various gaseous media (N₂, CO₂, Ar), have been carried out. The following methods were applied: determination of the adsorption activity by methylene blue indicator, X-ray fluorescence analysis, transmission electron microscopy with microanalysis, and X-ray phase analysis. Electrodes were fabricated from carbon materials obtained by microwave carbonization using different gases, and symmetric cells were assembled according to the two-electrode scheme. Their electrochemical properties were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge methods. The materials obtained using a CO₂ gaseous medium were found to possess the best characteristics.