Novel activated cotton as eco-adsorbent for solvent vapor

• The activated cotton retains the original fibrous structure of cotton.
• Its surface area can reach 2000 m2 g−1 and it is mainly microporous.
• The organic vapor adsorption reaches equilibrium within 10 min.
• It has higher adsorption capacity than other activated carbons.
• Less than 200 °C is required for complete desorption.

The potential of activated cotton (AC) as a low cost eco-absorbent for the recovery of organic solvent vapor was studied in this study. Its pore structure and chemical structure were characterized. Its adsorption speed, saturated adsorption volume and desorption process of solvent vapor were also evaluated. Its organic vapor adsorption process is fast enough to reach equilibrium within 10 min. It adsorbs more solvent vapor than other activated carbons due to its high microporosity. Finally, less than 200 °C is required for the complete desorption of adsorbed species.

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