Activated carbons containing TiO2: Characterization and influence of a preparation method on the state of TiO2 supported

In this study preparation procedure and characterization of coal-based activated carbons supporting TiO2 is presented. Decomposition of titanium organic complex introduced into three raw coals of a different composition is described and illustrated by XRD patterns taken at different stages of the preparations. Influence of a coal rank and titanium supported on coals on the development of a mesoporous structure is shown. Titanium revealed a positive influence on the formation of mesopores in activated carbons. Titanium contents were higher in those carbons activated for a longer time. Loss of some part of Ti supported was observed during preparation and the loss remained in a straight relation with the activation time. As confirmed by TEM, size of TiO2 particles supported on the activated carbons increased with the activation time. Distribution of the particles was irregular. Rutile was the only crystalline form of TiO2 found in Ti-loaded activated carbons.