Adsorption of methyl mercaptan on surface modified activated carbon

The influence of surface modification of activated carbon on the adsorption of methyl mercaptan in N2 was investigated. The modification of the activated carbon was carried out by treatment with HNO3/H2SO4 solutions, heat-treatment in Ar, and adsorption of cetylamine. Acid-treatment increased the adsorption of methyl mercaptan compared with the original activated carbon, and the adsorbed amounts increased with ratio of H2SO4 in HNO3/H2SO4 solutions. This result suggests that hydrogen bonding between acidic groups formed by acid-treatment and thiol groups of methyl mercaptan plays a role in adsorption of methyl mercaptan on activated carbon.

Activated carbons treated with HNO3/H2SO4 solutions (AC-At(1), (2), (3)) enhanced the adsorption of methyl mercaptan, compared with the original activated carbon (AC).Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide