CHEMISORPTION OF OXYGEN AND OF NITRIC-OXIDE ON CELLULOSIC CHARS

Cellulose chars have been subjected to chemisorption reactions in the temperature range 100-200-degrees-C in oxygen and nitric oxide (nitrous oxide did not chemisorb). The products of chemisorption reactions were analyzed by temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) using combined thermogravimetry and mass spectrometry. The results show that nitric oxide is much more reactive than oxygen in chemisorption reactions, although separately we have found that cellulose chars gasify at a higher rate in oxygen. The results of this study are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms of surface oxidation and desorption.