Influence of feedstock composition on the adsorptive properties of RDF-based activated carbon

This study focuses on converting refuse-derived fuel mixtures (composed of PS, PP, HDPE, paper, cardboard, cotton, and wood) into activated carbon through pyrolysis at 500 °C. The resulting chars underwent steam gasification at 900 °C for 60 min, with a steam flow rate of 5 cm³ h⁻¹. The physically activated chars were then systematically examined for their efficacy in removing phenol from 20 mg dm⁻³ solutions. The study demonstrated that the produced chars exhibited approximately half of the phenol removal efficiency of commercial activated carbon. Furthermore, an increased plastic content in the RDF blend enhanced the adsorption performance of the resulting activated carbons.