Activated carbons prepared from hydrothermally carbonized (HTC) waste biomass were studied with
respect to the adsorption of carbon dioxide. The physically activated carbons (PAC) exhibited a large
adsorption of CO2 of 1.45 mmol/g at a small partial pressure of CO2 (10 kPa and a temperature of 0 C).
These PACs were prepared by activation in a stream of CO2 and had significant amounts of ultramicropores,
which were established by analyzing the adsorption of CO2 with a density functional theory. The
uptake at such low pressures of CO2 is of most importance for an adsorption-driven CO2 capture from flue
gas at large power stations, as it is difficult to imagine a pressurization of the flue gas. The capacities to
adsorb CO2 of the different activated carbons were compared with both the micropore volumes as established
by N2 adsorption, and the ultramicropore volumes as established by CO2 adsorption. The ultramicropore
volume is of crucial importance for the capture of CO2 from flue gas. PAC from HTC grass cuttings
and from horse manure had the largest ultramicropore volumes. In general, the PAC showed excellent
cyclability of adsorption/desorption of CO2 and a minimal capacity loss after subsequent cycles. In addition,
the PAC showed a rapid adsorption of CO2. Both characteristics are essential for the eventual use of
such PACs in the adsorption driven separation of CO2 from flue gas. A chemically activated carbon (CAC)
was prepared by treating hydrothermally carbonized beer waste with H3PO4 and a heat treatment in a
flow of N2. This CAC showed a significant amount of mesopores in the range of 5 nm, in addition to
micropores. The apparent selectivity for the activated carbons for CO2-over-N2 adsorption was determined
at 0 C and 10 kPa.
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