Surface chemistry of a viscose-based activated carbon cloth modified by treatment with ammonia and steam

The influence of ammonia treatment at 800degreesC on the catalytic activity of a viscose-based activated carbon cloth (ACC) was evaluated for the oxidative retention of H2S or SO2 at room temperature. Change in the surface chemistry was observed by X-ray spectroscopy of nitrogen (N1s) and by temperature programmed desorption (TPD). Dynamic adsorption of H2S or SO2 in moist air onto a packed bed of activated carbon cloth was monitored by measurement of the breakthrough curves at room temperature. ACC modified by ammonia showed noteworthy enhanced SO2 and H2S loading relative to the untreated ACC. Improved SO2 retention rate could be replicated several times after regeneration by washing at room temperature, in contrast to the case with H2S. The likely reasons for the behavior of H2S and SO2 on the ammonia-treated ACC are discussed with reference to the recent literature. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.