Activated Carbons Derived from Hydrothermally Carbonized Sucrose: Remarkable Adsorbents for Adsorptive Desulfurization

Activated carbons derived from hydrothermal carbonization of sucrose and subsequent KOH activation have been prepared and tested for the adsorptive removal of refractory thiophenic compounds. Textural and chemical properties of the carbons and their corresponding impacts on adsorption rates and capacities were discussed in detail. The optimum carbon possessed high adsorption capacity (41.5 mgS/g for 300 ppmwS model oil), fast adsorption rate (97% saturated within 5 min) as well as relatively good selectivity for the adsorption of thiophenic compounds due to the abundant small micropores, suitable mesopore fraction and various oxygen functionalities present in the carbon. Combined with the economic and environmental merits of the preparation procedure, the sucrose-derived activated carbons are promising candidates for potential practical applications.