The study investigated a method of synthesizing a pitch suitable for making activated carbon using fluid catalytic crackingdecant oil (FCC-DO), a high-purity carbon precursor from oil refining. We kept the reaction time and catalyst amount constant while varying the temperature to investigate its impact on pitch synthesis and the resulting physical and activation properties. Previous research established that materials added during pitch synthesis can affect the properties of both the pitch and resulting activated carbon. This study examined the addition of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to FCC-DO-based pitch. The results indicated significant changes in properties with PET addition and temperature variation that ensured stable activated carbon quality. At temperatures of 390 °C or higher, the specific surface area of the activated carbon stabilized between 2680 and 2740 m2/ g. Waste PET, a recyclable plastic, was chosen due to its compatibility and thermodynamic suitability for pitch synthesis. Importantly, adding PET didn't generate additional waste or degrade the physical properties of the activated carbon.

Preparation of high specific surface area activated carbon using residual oil and waste PET
    Abstract
    1 Introduction
    2 Experimental
        2.1 Materials
        2.2 Pitch synthesis using PFO and PET
        2.3 Pitch activation using KOH
    3 Results and discussion
        3.1 Change of softening point depending on PETET addition
        3.2 Surface area characteristics of activated carbon products prepared using pitch synthesized under different conditions
    4 Discussion
        4.1 Pitch pyrolysis characteristics depending on PETET addition
        4.2 Change in the molecular weight of pitch depending on PET addition
    5 Conclusion
    Acknowledgements 
    References

• Jin Chan Park(Department of Chemical Engineering, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea, Handok Carbon Corporation, Hwaseong‑si 18559, Republic of Korea)
• Dong Min Kim(Department of Chemical Engineering, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea)
• Jong Dae Lee(Department of Chemical Engineering, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea) Corresponding author