The main purpose of this study is to develop a microwaveinduced
activation process for the preparation of high surface area bamboo-based activated carbon. The carbon yield was given attention
as it was important in practical application. The effects of
various factors such as microwave power, radiation time and phosphoric
acid/carbon ratio have been explored. The surface physical
and chemical properties of the activated carbons have been characterized
by means of low temperature N2 adsorption, acid–base
titration, pHpzc measurement, XPS spectra and FTIR spectra. Comparisons
between the microwave and the conventional thermal
methods have also been made.