The surface characteristics of activated carbon as affected by ozone and alkaline treatment.

The surface chemical characteristics of activated carbon treated by ozone and alkaline are determined in terms of surface functional groups and surface acidity. Surface functional groups are analyzed by the IR spectroscopic method and Boehm's titration technique. The surface acidity of activated carbon is determined by electrophoretic mobility measurements. The oxygen concentration of activated carbon increases upon ozone and NaOH treatment. Surface functional groups increase mostly in the hydroxyl and carboxyl categories rather than the carbonyl category upon ozone and NaOH treatment.