Carbons containing controlled levels of micro- and mesoporosity have been prepared using a combination of templating and activation. Analysis by nitrogen adsorption shows that the templated carbons are predominantly mesoporous. Subsequent activation of the templated carbons increases the micro:mesopore ratio. Adsorption of pentane from a dry flowing airstream reveals that the dynamic uptakes are consistent with the uptake from adsorption isotherms. Comparison with the isotherm data shows that only a limited amount of the microporosity is utilised. Increasing the micropore volume results in an increase in breakthrough time and uptake. When in competition with water vapour, the breakthrough time and capacity for pentane are both significantly reduced. Introduction of high levels of microporosity can reduce performance (especially if comparison is drawn on an equal volume basis), as a result of the high quantities of water present.
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