Synthesis of N-Rich Activated Carbons from Chitosan by Chemical Activation

The research led the synthesis of activated carbons of unique set of properties: very high surface area/total pore volume and high nitrogen content. Chitosan served as a basic raw material for activated carbon manufacturing. Zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) was applied as an activation agent. The chitosan-ZnCl₂ mixtures (different ratio) were then subjected to heat-treatment and transformed into a nonporous solid consisting of a carbon matrix in which water-soluble ZnCl₂ nanocrystallites were uniformly dispersed. The pore structure and surface area of the prepared carbon materials were modified by changing the chitosan- ZnCl₂ ratio. This process is highly effective and yields microporous and micro/mesoporous carbons with surface areas as high as 1931 m² g^–1. The carbons maintained a high content of nitrogen (ca. 6–7 wt%) which allows them to be candidates for some electrochemical applications.