One-Step Catalytic Activation Promoting Pore Development of Zhundong Coal-Based Activated Coke: A Compared Study with Conventional Carbonization–Activation Combined Process

Hierarchically porous activated coke is widely applied in pollutant removal due to its excellent molecule adsorption and transportation ability. Catalytic activation with the participation of alkali/alkaline earth metal salt has been reported to be effective for constructing hierarchical pore configuration; however, the technical condition remains to be explored for providing guidance to practical preparation process. Herein, the relationship between the porous structure of Zhundong coal-based activated coke and the technical condition during catalytic activation is systematically discussed. Based on comparisons of porous structures obtained under different carbonization–activation conditions, one-step catalytic activation is demonstrated to be more favorable for pore development than traditional carbonization–activation process. Physicochemical structural analyses of the precursor and the prepared activated coke reveal that pore development during catalytic activation is also related to the surface chemistry of the precursor and particle size. Amplified preparation experiments in rotary kiln further verify the potential of one-step catalytic activation in industrial production. As a proof of application, selective catalytic reduction tests show that the prepared hierarchically porous activated coke via one-step catalytic activation exhibits high efficiency in NO removal. This work highlights the promoting role of one-step catalytic activation in pore development, providing guidance for preparing high-performance activated coke under practical industrial conditions.