Effect of pore size distribution of biomass activated carbon adsorbents on the adsorption capacity

Abstract

In order to investigate the correlation between the pore size distribution of biomass activated carbon adsorbents (BACAs) and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) adsorption/desorption performance. four BACAs with same specific surface area but different pore size distribution were prepared under different experimental conditions and processes.The impact of the pore size distribution of BACAs on the adsorption/desorption performance of benzene, toluene and xylene was investigated. The results indicated that the adsorption ability of the prepared BACAs for benzene, toluene, and xylene was mostly affected by the pore size distributed in 2.60 ~ 3.25 nm, 2.68 ~ 3.35 nm and 4.20 ~ 4.90 nm, respectively, when the studied BACAs had similar specific surface area (SBET ≈ 1080 m2/g). However, the desorption amount of adsorbed benzene molecules mainly relies on the pore structure of the BACAs with the pore size distributed in 3.95 ~ 4.60 nm.The pore structures of BACAs distributed in different pore size ranges have various effects on the phenyl VOCs adsorption capacity. Benzene adsorption on the BACAs were mainly affected by the microporous structures. The pore structure with larger pore size was more favorable for the desorption of the adsorbed toluene and xylene molecules compared to the adsorbed benzene molecules. Benzene, toluene, and xylene had low residual rates in the studied activated carbon adsorbents to show superior regenerative properties. This work could provide an important reference for the design, preparation, and selection of activated carbon adsorbents for the adsorption capacity of benzene, toluene, and xylene.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.