Activation of a phenolic resin-derived carbon in air using microwave thermogravimetry

A phenolic resin-derived carbon has been activated, in air, using a microwave thermogravimetric analyser. Controlled Rate processing, where the rate of mass loss is maintained at a predetermined level throughout the activation process by continuous alteration of the microwave power, was used to prevent thermal runaway. Using this approach, carbons, with micropore volumes up to 0.44 cm³ g^-1, were produced in less than 170 minutes. It was also found that the thermal history of the pre-cursor carbon greatly affected the efficiency by which it was heated by microwave energy.