Adsorption dynamics and rate assessment of volatile organic compounds in active carbon

Abstract

In this paper, an investigation was presented about terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) as a novel tool for the characterization of the dynamic adsorption rate of volatile organic compounds, including isooctane, ethanol, and butyl acetate, in the pores of active carbon. The THz-TDS peak intensity (E_P) was extracted and corresponded to the measurement time frames. By analyzing E_P with time, the entire process could be divided into three physical parts including volatilization, adsorption and stabilization so that the adsorption dynamics could be clearly identified. In addition, based on the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the relationship between E_P and time in the adsorption process, a mathematical model was built in terms of the adsorbed rate parameter and the THz parameter. Consequently, the adsorption rate of isooctane, ethanol, and butyl acetate could be assessed by the THz measurement, indicating that THz spectroscopy could be used as a promising selection tool to monitor the adsorption dynamics and evaluate adsorption efficiency in the recovery of pollutants.