Oxidation of Sulfur Dioxide to Sulfuric Acid over Activated Carbon Catalyst Produced from Wood

Sulfur dioxide can be removed from exhaust gases by oxidation to sulfuric acid over an activated carbon catalyst in the presence of water. A manufacturing method for activated carbon was developed based on the steaming of wood at relatively low temperature. The catalytic activity of the activated carbon produced from wood for the oxidation of sulfur dioxide was compared with those of commercially available activated carbons. The carbon produced from wood showed high activity, but it was lower than that of a highly developed catalyst such as activated carbon fiber. However, the potential utilization of waste wood as an environmental catalyst was clearly demonstrated.