Uptake of elemental mercury by virgin and sulfur impregnated activated carbons
- Univ. of Pittsburgh, PA (United States)
Adsorber dynamics and kinetics of the vapor-phase elemental mercury uptake by virgin and sulfur impregnated activated carbons was evaluated as a function of temperature and influent mercury concentration. Virgin activated carbon showed little adsorptive capacity, especially at temperatures above 90{degrees}C. The pronounced effect of temperature on the adsorptive capacity evidences a physical adsorption mechanism. Sulfur impregnated activated carbons exhibited enhanced mercury removal efficiency over the non-impregnated varieties due to formation of mercuric sulfide on the carbon surface. This process is enhanced with increased temperature between 25 and 90{degrees}C. However, at 140{degrees}C, a decrease in adsorptive capacity occurs, indicating reduced formation of mercuric sulfide. Method used for impregnating activated carbon with sulfur had a pronounced effect on mercury removal kinetics and capacity. Chemical bonding of sulfur at 600{degrees}C under inert atmosphere provides a more uniform distribution of sulfur throughout the carbon pore structure yielding improved performance.
- OSTI ID:
- 370402
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960376--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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