Mesoporous cellular-structured carbons derived from glucose–fructose syrup and their adsorption properties towards acetaminophen

Here, a series of cellular-structured and predominantly mesoporous carbons were prepared via carbonization of glucose–fructose syrup (GFS) with sulfuric acid and subsequent calcination between 400[Formula: see text]C and 700[Formula: see text]C. Comparative results on the microstructure, chemical and textural properties of the newly produced carbons are presented. Furthermore, their adsorption performance for removal of acetaminophen from water was tested and it was found that the carbon calcined at 700[Formula: see text]C has a maximum adsorption capacity (98.7[Formula: see text]mg[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text]) among all samples due to its suitable textural properties (BET surface area of 418[Formula: see text]m[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] and total pore volume of 0.2[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text]). This study demonstrates the potential use of GFS as a precursor in the preparation of carbonaceous materials for removal of biologically-active micropollutants from water.