Physicochemical and Electrophysical Properties of Carbon Materials Based on Humic Acids

The chemical analysis of humic acids and their activated forms based on brown coal from the Maikuben coal basin (Kazakhstan) was carried out. The humic acids were obtained on the basis of potassium humates. Activated humic acids (AHAs) were prepared by carbonization and activation in argon and water vapor atmospheres at 873 K, and the physicochemical characteristics and surface morphology of the test samples were studied. The electrical resistance (R), electric capacitance (C), and dielectric constant (ε) of the samples in a temperature range of 293–483 K were determined for the first time. The samples obtained were tested as an adsorbent for water treatment in order to remove heavy metals.