There are several ways to prepare metal oxides/activated carbon composites, and the preferred methodology may depend on the specific application and desired properties of the composite. Here are some general methods:
Impregnation method: This involves impregnating the activated carbon with a metal oxide precursor, followed by calcination to form the metal oxide on the surface of the activated carbon. This method can be carried out in aqueous or organic solvents, and the metal oxide precursor can be a salt, hydroxide, or oxide.
Co-precipitation method: In this method, the metal oxide and activated carbon are co-precipitated from a solution containing the metal precursor and activated carbon. The resulting composite is then calcined to form the metal oxide.
Sol-gel method: This method involves preparing a sol-gel solution containing the metal oxide precursor and activated carbon, followed by drying and calcination to form the metal oxide/activated carbon composite.
Hydrothermal method: This involves treating a mixture of metal oxide precursor and activated carbon in an aqueous solution under high temperature and pressure, resulting in the formation of the metal oxide on the surface of the activated carbon.
Microwave-assisted method: In this method, a mixture of metal oxide precursor and activated carbon is exposed to microwave radiation, resulting in rapid heating and formation of the metal oxide on the surface of the activated carbon.
The choice of the method depends on factors such as the type of metal oxide and activated carbon used, the desired properties of the composite, and the scalability of the method.