A Study on Optimization of the Preparation of Pellet Activated Carbon by Phase Separation Method

Activated carbon has a high absorption capacity. Hence, it is utilized in the treatment process of environmental pollutants, causing the consumption of activated carbon in Korea to increase. However, powdered activated carbon (PAC) is required to be molded into granular activated carbon (GAC) due to difficulties when being applied in processes and industries. In this study, three different PACs were molded into pellet activated carbon using the phase separation method: coconut-based, coal-based, and wood-based. The PACs were made by 10wt% PES, 16wt% PES, 27wt% PES, and 35wt% PES because the formation in the phase separation method depends on the ratio of binder, polar solvent, and non-solvent. 16wt% PES coal-based PAC had the best absorbency, while 35wt% PES coal-based PAC had the lowest absorbency. In addition, the economies were determined in the order of 16wt% PES, 10wt% PES, 35wt% PES, and 27wt% PES. Finally, considering the methylene blue adsorption capacity and economic feasibility evaluation, the following efficiency order of PACs was evaluated: 16wt% PES coal-based PAC, 27wt% PES wood-based PAC, 35wt% PES wood-based PAC, 16wt% PES coconut shell-based PAC, and 27wt% PES coal-based PAC.