LAUSR

Abstract Here we report a facile two-step strategy for the conversion of waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into nanostructured porous carbon particles with external sizes of up to tens of micrometers, a high surface area of 644 m2/g and an electrical conductivity of 37 S/m, providing unique properties for dye adsorption applications. The method is simple and efficient, and doesn't require hazardous/expensive chemicals that are often used in the preparation of porous carbon materials. The process is based on the carbonization of PET at 900 °C followed by a thermal activation step at 500 °C in air. Various phenomena, including the structural modification and graphitization of the carbon products upon the carbonization are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy, as well as electron microscopy and electrical conductivity measurements. Graphitization of PET-derived carbons initiates at the temperature of 700 °C, and sharply increases at 900 °C, providing a relatively high electrical conductivity value. The adapted thermal activation process is based on the controlled oxidation of PET-derived carbon particles, without the use of toxic chemicals which are often used for the activation purposes. This strategy provides an efficient technique to prepare highly porous adsorbents to remove toxic dyes from water resources.