Synthesis and Characterization of Activated Carbon Fibers Derived from Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Fibers Stabilized at a Low Temperature

In this study, activated carbon fibers (ACFs) were prepared using a new method from polyethylene (PE) fibers. The stabilizing (or crosslinking) process of PE, an essential step, was achieved through a hybrid treatment using electron-beam/sulfuric acid at 110 °C that was more effective than the traditional method of using sulfuric acid at 180 °C for polyolefin. The stabilized precursor was then carbonized at 700 °C and activated at 900 °C with different activation times. The structural characteristics and morphologies of these ACFs were observed using an X-ray diffractometer and a field-emission scanning electron microscope, respectively. In addition, the N(2)/77K adsorption isotherm was used to discern textural properties. The total pore volume and specific surface area of these ACFs were found to be increased with a longer activation time, reaching final values of 0.99 cm(3)/g and 1750 m(2)/g, respectively. These ACFs also exhibited a high mesopore volume ratio (39%) according to crosslinking and crystallite formation conditions.