Understanding the role of each ingredient in a basic copper carbonate based impregnation recipe for respirator carbons

Basic copper carbonate (Cu2CO3(OH)2) is often used as an impregnant in activated carbons for respiratory filters. The mechanisms that allow adsorption of toxic gases by an activated carbon loaded with a Cu2CO3(OH)2-based impregnation recipe are studied here. Several samples were studied to determine the effect of ingredients added during impregnation, impregnant loading and drying temperature on performance. The filtering capacity of the samples is quantified by the stoichiometric ratio of reaction (SRR) between the impregnant and the challenge gas. X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) were used to characterize the impregnant both on and off the carbon as a function of loading and heat-treatment temperature. The influence of the phase and dispersion of the impregnant on the SRR is the focus of this report.

Graphical abstractScanning Electron Microscope image of the inner surface of an impregnated activated carbon sample.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide