The effect of methods of preparation on the performance of cupric chloride-impregnated sorbents for the removal of mercury from flue gases

Cupric chloride-impregnated carbon sorbents (CuCl2-ACs) showed comparable performance in elemental mercury (Hg0) oxidation and adsorption to a brominated activated carbon sorbent (Darco Hg-LH) in our previously reported experimental studies using fixed-bed and entrained-flow systems. This study tested several CuCl2-ACs prepared in different solvents to investigate the effects of solvents on the Hg0 removal capability of CuCl2-ACs and find the most efficient and economical method of sorbent preparation. The performance of CuCl2-ACs prepared in different solvents was also examined with respect to surface tension and pH of solvents. As a result, the sorbents prepared in isopropyl alcohol and acetone showed the best performance in these tests, but low surface tension and pH of isopropyl alcohol and acetone were not found to be critical factors.