Aging Effect of Bead-Shaped Activated Carbon Exposed to Volatile Organic Compounds

Aging Effect of Bead-shaped Activated Carbon

Maithri Venkat¹, Prof. Johannes Schwank¹, Dr. Hiroko Ohtani²

¹University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI;  ²Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI

Abstract

The removal of volatile organic compounds (VOC) produced during painting operations poses significant challenges in the automobile industry. Bead-shaped Activated Carbon (BAC) adsorption is one of the most efficient methods used for removing and concentrating VOCs from air. However, the lifetime of this adsorbent is considerably reduced following multiple adsorption-regeneration cycles, thereby affecting the economic feasibility of the process. The research primarily focuses on a fundamental surface chemistry based investigation to assess the molecular mechanism for the performance deterioration of activated carbon and to identify its root cause. As part of these efforts, several VOC molecules have been analyzed for their adsorption tendencies, temperature programmed desorption rate, isotherm measurement and microporous surface area distribution. Furthermore, a systematic study has been conducted for the evaluation of competitive adsorption, characterization of the surface morphology using scanning electron microscopy, optimization of adsorption capability for aged adsorbent and elimination of heel buildup in micropores.

With the aid of inferences gained from the aforementioned experimental analyses, this research facilitates the development of an improved VOC abatement operation.

Keywords: Bead-shaped Activated Carbon, heel buildup, competitive adsorption, aging effect