VOC Capture by Organophilic Pillared Montmorillonites
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds VOCs are used widely in industrial applications. Release of VOCs into the atmosphere has resulted in detrimental environmental effects, including elevated ozone levels in the troposphere. The objective of this project was to investigate organophilic pillared montmorillonites OPMs as sorbents for VOC control. Other sorbents were also examined, including activated chars. In most determinations, MEK was used to test the capacity of sorbents to adsorb VOCs. OPMs were prepared by exchanging alkylammonium cations between the montmorillonite layers, resulting in increased separation between layers; however, the volume between the clay layers was found to be inaccessible for VOC sorption. Fifteenfold enhancement of the capacity of the montmorillonite-based sorbents to adsorb MEK was achieved by introducing inorganic pillaring species to increase clay-layer separation . Montmorillonite-based sorbents have potential to be good VOC sorbents, but they will require further development. Activated chars produced directly from bituminous coal through a proprietary process by the Illinois State Geological Survey were also tested, and several were found to have high capacity for MEK. One char was subjected to more-thorough testing, including 10 sorption/regeneration cycles, and found to retain high activity. Activated chars were found to have characteristics allowing them to be used in similar VOC control applications as activated carbons.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA352362
Entities
People
- Bret H. Howard