Preparation of Chars and Carbons by Sulphurisation of a Crude Oil Derivative: A Preliminary Investigation

An experimental apparatus used for the sulphurisation of crude oil derivatives is described. The sulphurised product is carbonised at temperatures between 823°K and 1123°K and activation performed on a sample carbonised at 923°K using air at 773°K. The yields after carbonisation are measured by a thermogravimetric technique. Sulphurisation for 6.5 hrs at 473°K is beneficial in so far as it results in a three fold increase in the yield from 11.2% for the product formed without additional sulphur, to 31.5% for the product formed with 30 gms of sulphur per 100 gms of base oil in the reaction mixture. Specific surface areas of carbons prepared from sulphurisecl material are in excess of 300m²/em as measured by nitrogen (77°K) and carbon dioxide (192°K).