Monitoring changes in surface and structural properties of porous carbons modified by different oxidizing agents

A series of active carbons and carbon blacks was oxidized with various oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide, perchloric acid, and nitric acid. Their surface and structural properties were evaluated by use of nitrogen and water vapor adsorption isotherms, as well as high-resolution thermogravimetry. A comparative analysis of differential thermogravimetric curves and adsorption isotherms of nitrogen and water vapor for the samples studied showed that the surface properties of oxidized carbons depend on the type of oxidizing agent as well as oxidation conditions. This comparison shows that the modification of carbons with concentrated nitric acid caused the most pronounced surface and structural changes. These changes were much smaller for the samples modified with perchloric acid and hydrogen peroxide. (C) 1999 Academic Press.