Abstract: Process for producing activated carbon, preferably high surface area activated carbon, from inexpensive cellulosic precursors, such as paper, by pretreating the cellulosic precursor with an activating agent, such as phosphoric acid, followed by carbonization in an inert atmosphere at an elevated temperature to produce activated carbon. The activated carbon can be further activated to increase its surface area by heating it in an oxidizing atmosphere at an elevated temperature to yield activated carbon having a surface area of at least 100 m.sup.2 /g.

Abstract: Aromatic hydrocarbons are readily recovered from aqueous solutions by contacting the aqueous solution with an oxidized activated carbon having a low concentration of acidic oxides.The novel oxidized activated carbon is produced by contacting activated carbon with an acidic oxidizing agent which is used in low concentrations.The process can be employed to reduce aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene from aqueous solutions such as industrial effluents or potable water supplies to levels permissible by environmental protection regulations.

Abstract: A carbonaceous adsorbent to be used for the removal of a pyrogen dissolved in water is disclosed. The adsorbent is obtained by carbonizing porous beads of a cross-linked polymer. This adsorbent is favorably used for the removal of endotoxin in the production of pure water from deionized water resulting from the treatment with ion-exchange resins.

Abstract: Carbonaceous adsorbent particles having multimodal pore size, including micropores and macropores, with improved adsorptive and separative properties, are prepared by partial pyrolysis of polysulfonated macroporous precursor resins, said resins being in turn derived from macroporous poly(vinylaromatic) resins. The particles may be further treated by activating with reactive gases or by functionalization.

Abstract: A novel process for preparing a gas absorbent, comprising the steps of adding sodium bromate to a mixture of sulfuric acid aqueous solution and active carbon, reacting them, separating solids from the reaction mixture, and drying said solids. The gas absorbent can be utilized as a reagent for preserving the freshness (inhibiting agent) of fruits, an inhibitor of flower withering, an inhibitor of bulb germinating and root sprouting, an inhibitor of plant withering, leaf falling or fruit falling, a reagent for controlling the growth and specialization of plants, a deodorant or an absorbent of organic compounds having double bonding or triple bonding.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a carbon molecular sieve having both increased gas adsorption capacity and selectivity, which entails:(a) adding coal tar, coal tar pitch, or a combination thereof to powdered coconut shell charcoal as a binder;(b) pelletizing the mixture and carbonizing the same at about 600.degree.-900.degree.;(c) immersing the pellets in mineral acid solution, thereby sustantially removing soluble ingredients containing alkaline metal compounds therefrom;(d) drying the immersed pellets;(e) adding to the dried pellets a fraction of cresote which is distilled at a temperature of 140.degree. to 260.degree. C., in an amount sufficient to increase both said gas adsorption capacity and selectivity;(f) heating the pellets to about 600.degree.-900.degree. C., for about 10-60 minutes; and(g) cooling the pellets in an inert gas.

Abstract: A composite mass with a major proportion of inorganic material and a minor proportion of organic material, preferably from industrial waste products, is activated by dehydration of its organic constituents whereupon the mass is subjected to a two-phase pyrolytic process. In a first stage, lasting for 2 to 3 hours it is heated to about 600.degree. C. with carbonization of the organic constituents; in a second stage, lasting for 1 to 2 hours, the mass is sintered or consolidated at a temperature between about 900.degree. and 1150.degree. C.

Abstract: Fibrous activated carbon having a pH not more than 5 which is suitable for recovering halogenated hydrocarbon solvents is disclosed. The fibrous activated carbon is obtained by acid treating raw fibrous activated carbon.

Abstract: Carbonaceous pyropolymers possessing recurring units containing at least carbon and hydrogen atoms composited on a solid support may be prepared in a solid state process. The process is effected by treating a high surface area solid support such as an inorganic oxide as exemplified by alumina with an organic monomer which is capable of being polymerized by thermal, ionic, or free radical polymerization methods. The monomer is polymerized on the surface of the support under polymerization conditions and thereafter the polymer-coated support is subjected to pyrolysis at temperatures ranging from about 600.degree. to about 1200.degree. C. to form a carbonaceous pyropolymer. If so desired, this composite may then be subjected to the action of a dissolving agent under conditions which will dissolve or leach out the solid support, thus leaving a carbonaceous pyropolymer possessing recurring units containing at least carbon and hydrogen atoms.

Abstract: An improved process which makes possible the expeditious formation of activated carbon fibers having high absorptivity characteristics is provided. A polybenzimidazole fibrous material is contacted with a solution of an acid (e.g. sulfuric acid) so as to form a polybenzimidazonium salt (as described), and the resulting fibrous material is preoxidized, carbonized, and activated under the conditions defined which have been found to reliably and expeditiously yield the desired product. The resulting activated carbon fiber product exhibits a dynamic weight absorptivity of at least 100 mg. of CCl.sub.4 per gram, and particularly is suited for the formation of protective garments having highly satisfactory sorptive characteristics.