Role of activated carbon structures in catalytic oxidation adsorption for mercury

The Hg⁰ catalytic oxidation and adsorption capabilities of 3 activated carbons (ACs) and one active coke were evaluated in a simulated coal-derived atmosphere containing hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and oxygen (O₂). The examined adsorbent properties that may affect adsorption capacity are pore structure and the presence of sulfur on surface of ACs. N₂ isothermal absorption data was treated by BET equation and to calculate the special surface area. The absorption data was settled by HK method to obtain the micro porous structure. The medium pore diameter distribution was calculated by BJH method. The results reveal that with the increasing of micro pore and medium pore volume, Hg⁰ adsorptive capacity of activated carbons is enhanced. In all cases, Hg⁰ removal efficiency increases with sulfur addition.