Removal of Formaldehyde by Activated Carbons Containing Amino Groups

Formaldehyde has been used for disinfection and antisepsis in hospitals due to its bactericidal action, but it is toxic to humans. Hence, we developed adsorbates for the removal of formaldehyde. The adsorbate was prepared by the amination of an activated carbon surface. The removal efficiency and the adsorption mechanism of formaldehyde onto the aminated activated carbon were studied. The concentrated sulfuric acid and nitric acid treatment introduced nitro groups onto the surface of the activated carbon. The nitro groups were reduced by the reaction of powdered iron and hydrochloric acid to the amino groups. The amount of formaldehyde adsorbed onto the activated carbon increased with the amination of the activated carbon because of the increasing interaction between the surface of the activated carbon and the formaldehyde. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.