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Adsorption and destruction of PCDD/Fs using surface-functionalized activated carbons
J D Atkinson1, P C Hung2, Z Zhang3
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois, 205 N. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
Chemosphere
|August 25, 2014
Summary
Surface-functionalized activated carbons effectively adsorb and destroy polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs). Sulfur-impregnated carbons show high destruction efficiency, enabling multi-pollutant control.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Activated carbon (AC) adsorbs PCDD/Fs but can generate them via de novo synthesis, complicating disposal.
- Developing AC sorbents that simultaneously adsorb and destroy PCDD/Fs is crucial for waste reduction and improved lifetime.
- Hazardous waste management necessitates innovative solutions for toxic chemical removal from gas streams.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate hydrogen-treated and surface-functionalized ACs for PCDD/F adsorption and destruction.
- To investigate the impact of surface functionalization (O, Br, N, S) on AC performance.
- To explore mechanisms of PCDD/F destruction by modified ACs.
Main Methods:
- Bench-scale reactor testing of modified activated carbons.
- Adsorption and destruction efficiency measurements for PCDD/Fs.
- Analysis of PCDD/F congener destruction and mass balance.
Main Results:
- All tested carbons efficiently adsorbed PCDD/Fs (>98% mass removal).
- Surface-functionalized carbons demonstrated significant PCDD/F destruction (73-96% mass balance).
- Sulfur-impregnated carbons showed enhanced destruction efficiency, increasing with sulfur content.
Conclusions:
- Surface functionalization, particularly with sulfur, enables simultaneous adsorption and destruction of PCDD/Fs.
- Functional groups likely generate free radicals that facilitate PCDD/F destruction via dechlorination.
- Sulfur-treated carbons offer potential for multi-pollutant control, including mercury and PCDD/Fs.
