Metal oxide composites with activated carbon can be prepared using different methods, including:
Co-precipitation method: This method involves mixing a metal salt solution with an activated carbon suspension under stirring to obtain a metal oxide-activated carbon composite. The mixture is then heated to a high temperature to form the metal oxide nanoparticles, which are deposited onto the activated carbon surface. This method is effective for preparing metal oxide-activated carbon composites with a high surface area and good stability.
Sol-gel method: This method involves mixing a metal salt solution with an activated carbon suspension under stirring to obtain a metal oxide-activated carbon composite. The mixture is then heated to form a gel-like substance, which is dried and calcined to obtain the metal oxide-activated carbon composite. This method is useful for obtaining uniform metal oxide distribution on the activated carbon surface.
Hydrothermal method: This method involves mixing a metal salt solution with an activated carbon suspension under stirring to obtain a metal oxide-activated carbon composite. The mixture is then placed in an autoclave and heated at high pressure and temperature to obtain a metal oxide-activated carbon composite. This method is effective for preparing metal oxide-activated carbon composites with high crystallinity and good morphology.
Electrochemical method: This method involves the electro-deposition of metal oxide nanoparticles onto an activated carbon surface using an electrochemical cell. The activated carbon acts as the cathode, and the metal salt solution acts as the electrolyte. This method is effective for preparing metal oxide-activated carbon composites with a high degree of control over the metal oxide deposition.
Mechanical mixing method: This method involves mixing activated carbon with metal oxide nanoparticles using a ball mill or a high-energy mixer to obtain a metal oxide-activated carbon composite. This method is useful for preparing metal oxide-activated carbon composites with a high degree of homogeneity.
In summary, there are several methods for preparing metal oxide composites with activated carbon, and the choice of method depends on the desired properties of the composite. The co-precipitation and sol-gel methods are commonly used due to their ease of use and ability to produce uniform composites.
Carbon-Based Composites as Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Media Materials 14 (17) (2021), 4984; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14174984