LAUSR

Activated carbon foam was prepared via direct pyrolysis of waste bread (WB) under CO2 atmosphere. The product was characterized by N2 adsorption/desorption and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The preparation process was investigated online by a thermogravimetric analyzer coupled with FTIR (TG-FTIR). The adsorption isotherms of methylene blue (MB) by the product were investigated. The experimental data demonstrated that the product had a high surface area of 1575 m2 g−1 and a total pore volume of 0.883 cm3 g−1. Thermal decomposition of polymers in WB mainly occurred between 200 and 500 °C, leading to the release of carbonyl compounds, aliphatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, and furans. The dominant CO2 activation process started at above 800 °C. The MB adsorption equilibrium data followed Langmuir model with a monolayer adsorption capacity of 403 mg g−1. This study provides a reference for the utilization of WB as a promising precursor of activated carbon foam adsorbent, which has highly porous structure and excellent floatability in water.