Carbon monoliths: A comparison with granular materials

An activated carbon monolith synthesized from a phenolic resin precursor provides capacity and kinetic properties which compare most favourably with the same mass of its granular counterpart. Experimental data have been obtained using a dynamic, flow apparatus. The comparative performances are readily explained by an analysis of internal and external mass transfer coefficients. The effect of axial dispersion is neglected. Internal mass transfer coefficients are based on the linear driving force assumption, being approximated for the monolith by a geometric transformation from the square channel to a hollow cylinder impervious to mass at its outer radius. The monolith is predicted to have a pressure drop which is less than 6% of that of its equivalent granular system.