SO₂ capture and detection with carbon microfibers (CMFs) synthesised from polyacrylonitrile

SO₂ emissions not only affect local air quality but can also contribute to other environmental issues. Developing low-cost and robust adsorbents with high uptake and selectivity is needed to reduce SO₂ emissions. Here, we show the SO₂ adsorption–desorption capacity of carbon microfibers (CMFs) at 298 K. CMFs showed a reversible SO₂ uptake capacity (5 mmol g⁻¹), cyclability over ten adsorption cycles with fast kinetics and good selectivity towards SO₂/CO₂ at low-pressure values. Additionally, CMFs’ photoluminescence response to SO₂ and CO₂ was evaluated.