Investigating parameters on the preparation of mesoporous activated carbons by the combination of chemical and physical activations using the Taguchi method

Mesoporous activated carbons were prepared from coconut shell by the combination of chemical and physical activation methods. Zinc chloride and CO₂ were used as chemical and physical agents, respectively. Optimum parameters were obtained from investigating the effect of various factors at different levels on the methane storage of wet activated carbons using the Taguchi experimental design method. Soaking time, carbonization temperature, and carbonization time were found as effective parameters in the methane storage. Finally, after achieving optimum levels for each factors based on the enhancement of methane storage, a confirmation experiment was conducted. Methane uptakes of the activated carbons were measured at temperature of 2?^°C up to the pressure of 80 bar and it turned out that the maximum amount of methane storage (241?V/V) had a good agreement with the predicted result from the Taguchi method.