The effect of surface properties and porous structure of activated carbons on the phenol adsorption from aqueous solutions

The adsorption of phenol from aqueous solutions by active carbons with modified surface characteristics has been investigated. Oxidation of the carbon surface results in increased adsorption of water and, consequently, reduces the adsorption of phenol, whereas the reduction of the carbon surface increases the adsorption of phenol. The adsorption isotherm of phenol is influenced both by the surface characteristics and by the activated carbons porous structure