Abstract: Effects of ozone treatment on structure of surface functional groups, pore structure and Cr⁶⁺ adsorption capacity of activated carbon were evaluated. Boehm titration method and FT-IR techniques were used to characterize surface properties. Liquid nitrogen adsorption isotherm method was used to characterize pore structure. The results revealed that suitable ozonation can improve Cr⁶⁺ adsorption capacity of activated carbon significantly. The structure of surface functional groups and pore structure of activated carbon were changed due to ozonation. Alkaline sites were oxidized into acidic sites. The increase of surface acidity was the main cause of higher Cr⁶⁺ adsorption capacity for the ozonated activated carbon.

Key words: activated carbon, Cr⁶⁺adsorption, surface functional groups