**4. Conclusion**

The current study presents chemical preparation, characterization and performance evaluation of pyrolytic carbon black and its as-prepared activated carbons as potential adsorbents for mercury (Hg) vapor. FTIR, BET, SEM/EDX and pXRD were employed to elucidate the structural arrangements and properties of the carbonaceous materials. FTIR analysis of these carbonaceous materials showed a C=C stretching vibration attributed to the lignocellulose aromatic ring at 1657–2000 cm−1. Comparatively, it was also observed that the IR spectrum of raw carbon black exhibits less functional groups as compared to the H2SO4-AC and H2O2-AC carbonaceous materials prepared. BET analysis confirmed the effectiveness of the chemical activation method and the influence of the chemical activants on the surface of carbon black.

It was observed that the porous morphology of activated carbons prepared via hydrogen peroxide activation showed carbonaceous material with improved porous structure and was complimented by BET analysis results obtained. However, after adsorption it was expected that some Hg will be spotted and noticed on the surface of the activated carbon. However, backscatter electron analysis was employed and round-ball like structures of Hg were found inside the pores of the activated carbons. Additionally, light and heavy Hg was seen and confirmed by EDX analysis. Furthermore, the pXRD patterns confirmed that the use of an activant such as H2O2 normally alter the 3D linkages between the chemical components of carbon black (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin), thereby forming skeletons of fully disorganized carbonaceous materials, thus resulting in increased porosity of the carbon residue.
