Development and Characterization of KOH-Activated Carbons Derived from Zeolite-Catalyzed Pyrolysis of Waste Tires

Camila Aguilar-Ccuno, Rossibel Churata, Kattia Martínez and Jonathan Almirón ()
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Camila Aguilar-Ccuno: Professional School of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Process Engineering, National University of San Agustín of Arequipa, Santa Catalina Street No. 117, Arequipa 04001, Peru
Rossibel Churata: Professional School of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Process Engineering, National University of San Agustín of Arequipa, Santa Catalina Street No. 117, Arequipa 04001, Peru
Kattia Martínez: Professional School of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Formal Sciences, National University of San Agustín of Arequipa, Santa Catalina Street No. 117, Arequipa 04001, Peru
Jonathan Almirón: Professional School of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Process Engineering, National University of San Agustín of Arequipa, Santa Catalina Street No. 117, Arequipa 04001, Peru

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-24

Abstract: This study focuses on the production and characterization of activated carbons derived from the carbonaceous residue obtained through the catalytic pyrolysis of waste tires. A catalytic pyrolysis process was conducted at 450 °C and 575 °C, employing two zeolitic catalysts, the commercial ZSM-5 and a synthesized zeolite (PZ2), developed from natural pozzolan, which played a key role in the pyrolysis performance and the quality of the resulting carbons. After pyrolysis, the solid residues were chemically activated using KOH to improve their porous structure and surface characteristics. Comprehensive characterization was carried out, including textural properties (BET surface area and porosity) and morphological (SEM) analysis of the activated carbons, as well as crystallinity evaluation (XRD) of the zeolitic catalysts. The BET surface areas of activated carbons PZ2-T1-AK and PZ2-T2-AK reached 608.65 m 2 /g and 624.37 m 2 /g, respectively, values that surpass those reported for similar materials under comparable activation conditions. The developed porous structure suggests strong potential for applications in adsorption processes, including pollutant removal. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of zeolite-catalyzed pyrolysis, particularly using PZ2, as a sustainable strategy for transforming tire waste into high-performance adsorbent materials. This approach supports circular economy principles through innovative waste valorization and offers a promising solution to an environmental challenge.

Keywords: waste tires; pyrolysis; zeolite catalyst; activated carbon; chemical activation; waste valorization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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