Engineering Adsorption Case for Efficient Capture of VOCs Using Biomass‐based Corncobs via a Carbonized Strategy

Abstract

Herein, we report excellent corncobs‐derived carbon adsorbent by the special KOH chemical activation method which specific to selective adsorption removal of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) under humid conditions. The obtained corncobs‐derived carbon adsorbent affords the enhanced adsorption removal capacities for volatile benzene (851.3 mg g‐1) and toluene (854.9 mg g‐1), outperforming comparative that derived from KOH grind means, which are 3 times higher than those of commercial activated‐carbon (benzene 275 mg g‐1, toluene 310.5 mg g‐1). We also demonstrated that the optimized structural property of the fabricated adsorbent had a good correlation with the adsorption efficiency of VOCs. Besides, the adsorption selectivity of benzene and toluene under different relative humidity distinguished by DIH (Difference of the Isosteric Heat) equation further indicates the beforehand adsorption behavior of toluene on the corncobs‐derived carbon adsorbent compared to benzene, which should be benefited from the improved synthetic tactics. Our study provides a real possibility for the practical engineering application of waste biomass (corncobs)‐derived engineering carbonaceous adsorbent in VOCs pollution control.

Freeze Granulation of Nanoporous UiO-66 Nanoparticles for Capture of Volatile Organic Compounds

“…Metal–organic framework (MOF)-derived materials such as the graphene–MOF hybrid demonstrated enhanced sensing performance for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOC) biomarkers. − The material was reportedly capable of sensing the VOC biomarkers at a minuscule level between 2.82 and 22.6 ppm . The high detection level and selectivity of the MOF-derived sensor toward the biomarkers were apparently due to the microporous nature of the MOF, which was reportedly capable of capturing adsorbates through esoteric π–π interaction, π-complexation, and H-bonding. − Despite the many benefits that the MOF has to offer, this material typically exists in an extremely fine powdery form in nanosize scale that becomes difficult to recover or retain in the system, resulting in lower process efficiency and sustainability when it is applied as a gas adsorbent. − …”

Valorization of lignocellulosic biomass into sustainable materials for adsorption and photocatalytic applications in water and air remediation

“…The improved surface function enables greater chemical interactions, surface modification is a crucial role in enhancing VOC fixation. Shen et al ( 2020 ) reported that the activation of corncobs-derived carbon adsorbent with KOH improves the selectivity of VOC adsorption (851.3 and 854.9 mg/g for benzene and toluene, respectively) three times better than the adsorption capacities using a commercial activated carbon. Li et al ( 2011 ) studied the chemical modification of coconut shell–based activated carbon towards the fixation of hydrophobic VOC (o-xylene).…”

Route‐Optimized Synthesis of Bagasse‐Derived Hierarchical Activated Carbon for Maximizing Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Adsorption Capture Properties

“…In recent years, due to its advantages of reasonable utilization of resources and easy preparation, waste biomass‐derived activated carbon prepared have been gradually applied to various environmental control fields such as the electric chemical water treatment of food organic pesticide removal, gas or heavy metal ions adsorption capture [1–4] . Notably, the adsorption capture of VOCs using biomass‐derived AC has become popular because of serious requirement of environmental control, but the resultant great adsorption capacity and selectivity of VOCs ceaselessly demand improved structural properties and surface character of AC obtained through rational synthesis control, [5–10] which has not been explored yet.…”