Synthesis and adsorption behavior of activated carbon impregnated with ASZM-TEDA for purification of contaminated air

In current study, ASZM-TEDA carbon (Carbon impregnated with Copper, Silver, Zinc, Molybdenum and Triethylenediamine) was successfully prepared with non-ammonium water soluble salts using incipient wetness method and TEDA was impregnated on raw activated carbon (RAC) by sublimation process. Aim of this study was to access the adsorption capability of RAC and ASZM-TEDA carbon for SO2 and NO2 gases. For characterization of material, XRD, SEM, EDX spectroscopy, EDX mapping, TGA, BET surface area analyzer and Boehm titrations were used. Results indicate that ASZM-TEDA carbon, prepared with non-ammonium salts, provided satisfactory protection against challenge gases. Using the FTIR based gas analyzer, a significant increase in breakthrough time of ASZM-TEDA carbon was observed i.e. 29.0% for SO2 and 18.7% for NO2 gases as compared to RAC and breakthrough time was 210 and 197 min, respectively. Adsorption capability of ASZM-TEDA carbon was found to be 390 mg NO2/g-C and 448 mg SO2/g-C. In comparison with RAC, ASZM-TEDA carbon showed enhanced adsorption capability up to 31.5% for NO2 and 55.9% for SO2. [Display omitted] •Non-ammonia water soluble salts were used for impregnation.•Metal oxides were impregnated on activated carbon by imbibing limit method.•Triethylenediamine was impregnated on metal impregnated activated carbon surface by sublimation process.•Prepared IACs were found promising and efficient for removal of SO2 and NO2 gases from air.•ASZM-TEDA carbon showed significant decontamination capability for SO2 and NO2 gases.