Performance optimization and kinetic analysis of HNO3 coupled with microwave rapidly modified coconut shell activated carbon for VOCs adsorption

As a typical carbon-based material, activated carbon (AC) has satisfied adsorption performance and is of great significance in the field volatile organic compounds (VOCs) pollutants removal. In order to further reveal optimization mechanism AC performance, coconut shell-based was selected as research object, different concentrations HNO 3 coupled with microwave were used for rapid modification activation. The characteristic changes pore structure surface chemical before after analyzed, VOCs absorption discussed from perspective reaction kinetics. properties analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmeta-Teller (BET) analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Boehm titration. results showed that could significantly eliminate impurities pores AC. After impregnation at concentration 1.5 mol L −1 under irradiation 900 W, number micropore on samples increased slightly. When continued increase, two adjacent structures merged, which lead large decrease corresponding increase proportion mesoporous. Meanwhile, specific area S BET modified NAC-6 sample 1,140.40 m 2 g , total acidic oxygen-containing functional groups 0.459 mmol compared unmodified raw carbon. Furthermore, analyzing experimental formaldehyde samples, it concluded saturated capacity 43% higher than This study provides more convenient faster method gas phase purification, helpful realize practical engineering application high efficiency, energy saving sustainable.