Activated carbon–carbon composites made of pitch-based carbon fibers and phenolic resin for use of adsorbents

Activated carbon–carbon composites (ACCC) were prepared from low-cost, nonwoven like, continuous mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers and phenolic resin. The carbon fiber/phenolic resin composite was first fabricated by using a vacuum bagging resin infusion technique. The composite was carbonized in N₂ at 1050 °C and then activated with CO₂/H₂O at 850 °C for about 5 h to obtain an ACCC. Optical microscope and SEM observations reveal that tiny cracks and channels are formed in the entire carbonized material due to the carbonization/shrinkage of the matrix, which are beneficial for the activation of carbon materials within the composite. After activation, the ACCC has a specific surface area of 800 m²/g and a resistivity of 470 μΩ m. Mini filters assembled with the ACCC is permeable and has high contact efficiency with the methylene blue in the breakthrough test. Gas adsorption experiments show that the ACCC material has a good adsorption performance for a variety of volatile organic compounds at room temperature. The prepared ACCC is expected not only to be used as an adsorbent but also as potential for use as an electrode material.